Cheesecake is a classic dessert many love, but the traditional recipe often requires cream cheese. But can you use whipped cream cheese for cheesecake if you don’t find cream cheese?
You can use whipped cream cheese for cheesecake, but the texture and flavour will differ. Cheesecake made with whipped cream cheese has a granular and somewhat moist texture. It will be a fine substitute for regular cream if you want to spread it on a bagel and eat it.
In this blog post, I will discuss the difference between cream cheese and whipped cream cheese, as well as tips for using whipped cream cheese. With that, you can decide which is best for your cheesecake recipe.
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The Difference Between Whipped Cream Cheese and Regular Cream Cheese
Whipped cream and cream cheese are very different things. Even though they are both dairy items, they have different flavours and textures and are generally not interchangeable in recipes.
Whipped cream is whipping cream that has been whisked until it reaches a light and fluffy state. It often has a little sugar and vanilla added to the cream, which enhances its slightly sweet flavour.
Cream cheese is a soft, white cheese that is slightly savoury and sweet. It can be whipped with butter, sugar, and vanilla to make a very nice spreadable frosting, but it is not as light in texture as whipped cream. Its flavour is sharper.
Although everyone agrees that both creams are good, you may think that whipped cream contains less acid than cream cheese. Regular creamy cheese is thick and often comes in a block.
For regular cheese, the texture is usually creamy but slightly thick. It’s perfect for making 88- or 16-ounce containers. Whipped cream cheese has a much lighter texture than regular cream cheese and is great for spreading on toast or bagels.
Also, regular cream cheese contains more fat than whipped cream cheese, giving the final product a richer flavour. While both types of cream cheese contain the same amount of protein and moisture, regular cream cheese tends to be more concentrated, resulting in a denser cheesecake.
Note that you can easily differentiate the two by remembering that cream cheese is used mainly as an ingredient, while whipped cream cheese is used as a spread, typically over toast or bagels.
Will Using Whipped Cream Cheese Change The Texture Or Flavor Of The Cheesecake?
Cheesecake made with whipped cream cheese has a granular and somewhat moist texture compared to the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake made with block cream cheese. This is because the amount of additional air introduced during the whipping process changes the ratios of the other components and ruins the cheesecake consistency.
The difference is in the manufacturing process. Whipped cream cheese is coagulated with lactic acid. It forms a thick network of tiny protein particles, giving the cheese a grainier texture. As a result, cheesecake made with whipped cream cheese is gritty and watery.
Block cream cheese is prepared by combining milk and cream with a cheese culture, which allows the proteins to thicken slowly and yields a rich, smooth mass.
Tips For Using Whipped Cream Cheese In Cheesecake
Mix the ingredients properly to make a successful cheesecake using whipped cream cheese. Below are some tips for using whipped cream cheese for your cheesecake.
1. Use full-fat whipped cream cheese for the best texture and flavour. Low-fat versions may not work as well because of their higher water content.
2. mix the whipped cream cheese with some sour cream or Greek yoghurt before adding it to the other ingredients for a creamy cheesecake. This will create a lighter, airier texture and ensure a perfectly creamy result.
3. Be sure to let the cream cheese come to room temperature before using it in your cheesecake recipe. This will make mixing with the other ingredients easier and will help prevent lumps in your final product.
4. To avoid a gummy cheesecake, bake it at the right temperature and for the right amount of time. Start by baking at a lower temperature and checking frequently after 30 minutes. The cheesecake is done when it’s golden brown on top and barely shakes when shaken gently.
5. To add more flavour to your cheesecake, mix a bit of sugar or honey to the whipped cream cheese before adding it to the batter. This will give the cheesecake an extra sweetness that you will love.
Cream Cheesecake Recipe
Indulge in a creamy and decadent dessert with this New York-style cream cheesecake recipe. This easy cream cheesecake recipe includes sour cream and heavy cream for an extra smooth and luscious texture, while the graham cracker crust adds a crunchy contrast. Take it up a notch by topping it with your favorite fruit topping or try replicating the iconic Cheesecake Factory cream cheesecake recipe at home.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, using a flat-bottomed glass to make sure it's evenly distributed.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the flour and mix until well combined.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
Once the cheesecake has cooled, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Serve the cheesecake chilled, topped with your favorite fruit or sauce.
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Notes
Make sure your cream cheese is softened before you begin making the filling. This will ensure that it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
To prevent cracks from forming on the surface of your cheesecake, be sure to let it cool slowly at room temperature before refrigerating it.
If you’re having trouble removing the cheesecake from the springform pan, try running a sharp knife around the edge of the pan to loosen it before you remove the ring.
Keyword cream cheese, graham cracker crust, granulated sugar, vanilla extract
Conclusion
With the proper techniques and ingredients, you can use whipped cream cheese for cheesecake.
With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create a delicious cheesecake with whipped cream cheese that will surely please everyone who tastes it. However, for optimal results, chill your cheesecake before serving it.
