If you're like us, you might have a stash of cheese slices sitting in your fridge, just waiting for the right recipe. Well, why not turn them into something delicious?
Cheesecake! This simple dessert is not only creamy and dreamy but also easy to make. And when the weather is slightly chilly, baking up a cheesecake feels like the perfect comfort food.
Let's dive into this simple recipe that'll make use of those cheese slices and bring some cozy joy to your day!
Before we get started, let's make sure you have everything ready:
For the cheese filling:
• 4 slices of cheese
• 65g of milk
For the egg yolk mixture:
• 30g of cake flour
• 20g of cornstarch
• 45g of milk
• 3 egg yolks
For the egg white mixture:
• 3 egg whites
• 30g of fine sugar
• A few drops of lemon juice
Pro tip: Make sure to weigh out all your ingredients before starting. It'll make things go much smoother. Also, pop the egg whites in the freezer for a few minutes before using them, so they're nice and cold with a frosty edge. Trust us, it helps!
Step 1: Melting the Cheese
Start by melting your cheese slices in a heatproof bowl. Add 70g of milk and set it over a pot of hot water (you don't need it to be boiling). Stir the cheese gently until it melts smoothly, and then strain the mixture to get rid of any lumps. Let it cool to room temperature. It's essential to get a smooth, creamy texture here, so take your time with this step.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mix
In a separate bowl, sift together 30g of cake flour and 20g of cornstarch. Add 50g of milk and gently stir in a Z-shape to avoid any lumps. Make sure the batter is smooth and the flour is fully incorporated. You don't need to stir too long—just a quick mix to get rid of the dry patches. No need to go overboard!
Step 3: Add the Egg Yolks
Now, take your egg yolks and whisk them into the flour mixture. Mix them in gently with the same Z-shaped motion, making sure everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Cheese and Egg Mixtures
Next, add the cooled cheese mixture to your egg yolk mixture. Stir until smooth and well combined. This is where the magic happens—the rich, creamy texture of the cheese will blend with the egg yolks to create the perfect base for your cheesecake filling.
Step 5: Prepare the Egg Whites
It's time to focus on the egg whites. Take them out of the freezer and start beating them with a hand mixer. As you whip them, add in the fine sugar in three stages. Start slow when they begin to foam, then increase speed. Keep beating until you get stiff peaks. A little trick to know: when the egg whites are ready, they should form a peak that curves slightly.
Step 6: Folding the Mixture
Now, it's time to fold the beaten egg whites into the cheese and egg yolk mixture. Do this in three stages to keep the fluffiness intact. Start with one-third of the egg whites, folding gently into the mixture. Once that's combined, add another third, and then finally the last portion. Be sure not to overmix, or you'll lose that light texture.
Step 7: Baking Time
Pour the cheesecake batter into your prepared mold. The recipe calls for a 6-inch mold, but we used a 4-inch round one and a rectangular mold. It doesn't matter as long as the batter is spread evenly.
Preheat your oven to 145°C (about 295°F) and bake the cheesecake for 60 minutes. If you feel like it's getting too dark towards the end, you can bump the temperature up to 160°C for the last few minutes to give it a lovely golden top. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn't overcook.
Step 8: Cooling and Enjoying
Once your cheesecake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and give it a gentle shake to release any steam. Let it cool a bit before removing it from the mold. This gives the cake time to set, making it easier to slice.
And now, the best part—digging into your homemade cheesecake! The flavor is rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. We're sure this will quickly become one of your favorite go-to desserts.
The key to this cheesecake is the texture—light, creamy, and smooth. Be careful not to overmix your ingredients, especially the egg whites, to keep the fluffy consistency. Also, don't forget to give your cheesecake time to cool and set before serving. A little patience goes a long way when it comes to enjoying this delicious treat!
Now it's your turn to give this cheesecake a try! Whether it's for a cozy afternoon treat or a special occasion, this cheesecake made with cheese slices is bound to be a hit. Let us know how it turns out, Lykkers—we can't wait to hear about your baking adventures!