Mary'S Creamy Baked Cheesecake
Mary's Creamy Baked Cheesecake offers a rich, smooth texture with a delightful vanilla and lemon flavor. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent dessert, its velvety consistency and subtle citrus notes make it a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy a luxurious treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven and prepare a 10-inch spring-form cake pan, three inches deep.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the condensed milk and continue mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and then add them to the cream cheese mixture.
- Add the vanilla extract, lemon extract, and salt; mix thoroughly.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared spring-form pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool, then refrigerate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a smooth cheesecake, beat the cream cheese thoroughly before adding other ingredients. If you prefer a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. For added flavor, you can also mix in some lemon zest. For a different dessert experience, try pairing it with homemade ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled. Serve it plain or with a fruit compote on top for added sweetness. Pair it with coffee or a light dessert wine for a delightful finish to any meal. For a unique twist, consider serving it alongside Chocolate Sandwich Gobs for a fun dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To thaw, simply place in the refrigerator overnight before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Creamy Baked Cheesecake contains roughly 487 calories, with 11g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (30% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 950mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
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?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it may alter the texture slightly, making it less creamy. For best results, use full-fat cream cheese for a richer flavor and creamier consistency.
How can I tell when the cheesecake is done baking?
The cheesecake is done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly. It will continue to firm up as it cools. Overbaking can lead to cracks, so monitor it closely during the last few minutes.
Can I add toppings to the cheesecake?
Absolutely! Fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries, a drizzle of chocolate, or a dollop of whipped cream make excellent toppings. You can also experiment with flavored sauces or nuts for added texture and taste.
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).