Heavenly Cheese Cake
Heavenly Cheese Cake features a rich, creamy texture with zesty lemon and orange peels, perfect for special occasions or indulgent desserts for cheese lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch spring-form pan.
- Combine crushed zwieback, softened butter, sugar, and 1/2 tablespoon lemon peel to make the crust.
- Press this mixture on the bottom and sides of the prepared pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar, flour, grated orange peel, vanilla, and lemon peel; mix well.
- Gradually add eggs and egg yolks, beating until smooth after each addition.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 80 minutes or until set.
- Cool in the pan, then refrigerate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have zwieback, crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits make excellent substitutes for the crust. To enhance the citrus flavor, consider adding a splash of fresh lemon juice to the filling. For a fun twist, try swirling in some fruit puree before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheesecake chilled, topped with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added decadence. It pairs beautifully with E-Z Shrimp Dip as a savory contrast at gatherings. For an extra touch, consider dusting with powdered sugar or serving with a dollop of whipped cream. This dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet end to a meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To prevent the surface from cracking, cover it with plastic wrap or foil. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and they can last up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Heavenly Cheese Cake contains roughly 609 calories, with 9g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
While you can use low-fat cream cheese, it may affect the overall texture and richness of the cheesecake. Full-fat cream cheese provides a creamier and denser result, which is ideal for achieving the perfect cheesecake consistency. If you do use low-fat, be prepared for a slightly different taste and texture.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
To prevent cracks, allow the cheesecake to cool gradually after baking before refrigerating. This helps reduce temperature shock.
Can I add different flavors to the cheesecake?
Absolutely! You can customize the flavor by adding extracts such as almond or coconut, or mix in ingredients like melted chocolate or fruit purees. Just ensure the total volume of wet ingredients stays consistent to maintain the cheesecake's structure. Explore your favorite flavors to create a unique dessert!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).