What to know about cheesecake

In contrast, cheesecake is somewhat more intricate. Traditionally, it is baked and incorporates fresh eggs and, ideally, high-quality butter, often requiring a water bath to ensure proper cooking. To complicate things further, there are no-bake cheesecake recipes that omit eggs but include butter, making them more akin to cream cheese pie than true cheesecake. However, it's uncommon for this dessert to be egg-free, as the little yolky additions provide structure and lightness to the cheesecake. If a recipe lacks eggs, it typically relies on gelatin for the same purpose, helping to bind the ingredients and allowing the dessert to set correctly.
Cheesecake can also be made with various types of cheese. While cream cheese is a staple in many contemporary recipes, it can be crafted using nearly any variety of dairy, such as ricotta, Neufchatel, Gruyère, gouda, and even blue cheese. Many of these cheeses are particularly beneficial for chefs creating savory cheesecake variations (which do exist).
Interestingly, before the invention of cream cheese in the late 1800s, Neufchatel was a favored option for this dessert. It’s not an overstatement to say that the introduction of this bagel-friendly dairy product delighted the creators of the original New York cheesecake recipe, especially considering the dessert's rise to fame since its emergence in the early 20th century.
Why cream cheese pie is easier to make

In contrast to traditional cheesecake recipes, cream cheese pie is not baked. Instead, the ingredients are blended in a mixer, incorporating air much like an ice cream maker does to create fluffy textures. While ice cream reaches its final consistency in the freezer, cream cheese pie firms up in the refrigerator.
Moreover, cheesecake is more fragile than one might expect. Many recipes require a springform pan to be placed in a water bath during baking. The steam from the water helps cook the cake, but this stage can be tricky, with various potential mishaps. Unlike cream cheese pie, which benefits from a bit of air mixed in, air is not advantageous for cheesecake. Excess air can cause the center of the cheesecake to sink during baking.
Additionally, if cheesecake is baked for too long, it can crack and crumble. These issues typically do not affect cream cheese pie. Essentially, you simply combine the ingredients for cream cheese pie, refrigerate it, and then perhaps enjoy the extended version of "Return of the King" while waiting for it to set. Cream cheese pie is largely a set-it-and-forget-it dessert, making it difficult to ruin this straightforward treat.
When to use each dessert

Both cream cheese pie and cheesecake (which is technically not a cake) offer a delightful tangy sweetness and a rich, creamy texture, making them perfect for various occasions. When deciding which recipe to choose, it often comes down to personal preference and your baking experience. If you're tasked with bringing dessert to a family gathering and lack confidence in the kitchen, cream cheese pie is your best bet.
Both desserts require a significant amount of time to prepare, but cream cheese pie has the advantage here. Cheesecake can take around seven hours in total, factoring in preparation, baking, and cooling time. In contrast, cream cheese pie requires less time; it needs to chill in the fridge for at least four hours to set, but the actual prep time is only about 15 to 20 minutes.
Your dessert choice may also be influenced by your budget. A basic cream cheese pie recipe typically calls for just three or four ingredients, including the crust. Cheesecake, on the other hand, often requires twice as much cream cheese, along with additional ingredients like sour cream, eggs (up to four, depending on the recipe), granulated sugar, flour, and vanilla extract, which can increase the overall cost. If you're watching your expenses, cream cheese pie might be the better option. However, if you're looking to enhance your baking skills, perfecting a cheesecake recipe could be a rewarding challenge that comes with bragging rights.
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