When life hands you a challenge like dealing with a global crisis, sometimes the best response is to enjoy the simple pleasures. Baking, especially cheesecake, can be both a therapeutic activity and a delicious reward. Here are five corona cheesecake recipes that you can whip up with ingredients likely already in your pantry, offering you a taste of comfort during these times.
1. Classic Vanilla Cheesecake
There’s nothing quite like the simplicity and elegance of a classic vanilla cheesecake. This recipe, with its smooth texture and rich flavor, is an excellent starting point for cheesecake enthusiasts.
- Crust: 1 1⁄2 cups crushed graham crackers, 1⁄4 cup sugar, 1⁄2 cup melted butter
- Filling: 32 oz cream cheese, 1 1⁄3 cups sugar, 1⁄2 cup sour cream, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 4 large eggs
Combine crust ingredients and press into a 9-inch springform pan. Beat the cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time. Pour filling over crust and bake at 325°F (165°C) for about 60 minutes or until set.
💡 Note: This cheesecake benefits from an overnight refrigeration to achieve the best texture.
2. Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake
For chocolate lovers, this cheesecake provides a visual feast with its swirls of chocolate running through a creamy base.
- Crust: Same as the classic
- Filling: 24 oz cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, 1⁄4 cup cocoa powder, 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate Swirl: 1⁄4 cup melted dark chocolate
Follow the classic cheesecake method for the crust. Divide the batter in half. Add cocoa to one part and mix until combined. Layer and swirl with the melted chocolate. Bake as before.
3. Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake
If you’re looking for something lighter and fresh, this lemon raspberry cheesecake is the one for you, offering a perfect balance of zesty and sweet flavors.
- Crust: 1 1⁄2 cups crushed graham crackers, 1⁄4 cup melted butter, zest of one lemon
- Filling: 24 oz cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup sour cream, 3 large eggs, 1⁄4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Topping: 1 cup raspberry jam, fresh raspberries
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Prepare crust as usual. Combine all filling ingredients, except raspberries, until smooth. Pour into the crust, bake for 55 minutes. Spread raspberry jam over the top once cooled and decorate with raspberries.
4. Pumpkin Cheesecake
This seasonal delight takes the traditional cheesecake and infuses it with the warm spices and flavors of autumn, perfect for holiday gatherings or just to savor a slice of fall.
- Crust: 1 1⁄2 cups ginger snap cookies, 1⁄4 cup melted butter
- Filling: 16 oz cream cheese, 3⁄4 cup sugar, 1 cup canned pumpkin puree, 3 eggs, 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1⁄4 teaspoon each ground ginger, nutmeg, and allspice
- Topping: Whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon
Combine crust ingredients and press into a 9-inch springform pan. Mix all filling ingredients until smooth. Pour over crust, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes. Top with whipped cream when served.
5. No-Bake Cookies and Cream Cheesecake
When the idea of turning on the oven is daunting, this no-bake option offers all the decadence of cheesecake with none of the heat. Perfect for hot summer days or when you’re looking for a quick dessert.
- Crust: 1 1⁄2 cups crushed Oreos, 1⁄4 cup melted butter
- Filling: 16 oz cream cheese, 1⁄2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 1⁄2 cups crushed Oreos
Mix crushed cookies and butter for the crust, press into a 9-inch springform pan. Whip the cream to stiff peaks. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream and half of the crushed Oreos. Spread into crust and chill for at least 4 hours. Top with remaining Oreos before serving.
🌟 Note: No-bake cheesecakes set best with proper chilling, so patience is key here!
As we navigate through times where simple joys can seem like a luxury, these corona cheesecake recipes offer a slice of normalcy, a way to indulge, and share happiness with those in our bubble. Whether it's the classic, a swirl of chocolate, a burst of lemon with raspberries, the comforting taste of pumpkin, or the no-bake ease, there's a recipe here for everyone. Baking not only fills the home with delightful aromas but also brings a sense of accomplishment and comfort. So, take a little time for yourself, mix up a cheesecake, and enjoy the quiet moments or share the love with friends and family, even if from a distance.
Can I substitute graham crackers in the crust?
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Yes, you can use crushed cookies, biscuits, or even digestive biscuits for your cheesecake base. Just ensure they complement the flavors in the filling.
What if my cheesecake cracks?
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This is quite common. To minimize cracks, avoid overmixing the batter, especially after adding the eggs. You can cover cracks with toppings or sauces.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to cream cheese for cheesecake?
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Indeed! Silken tofu or cashew-based cream cheese can make excellent substitutes for traditional cream cheese in cheesecake recipes.
