Craving something indulgent? This Decadent American Baked Cheesecake recipe is the ultimate dessert for your next dinner party or special occasion. Moreover, with a rich, creamy filling and a touch of bourbon, it’s a slice of heaven on a plate.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake:
- 25cm (10in) sponge cake layer (cut from a large store-bought flan case)
- 200g (7oz) caster sugar
- Finely grated zest of 3 lemons
- 4 tbsp cornflour
- 3 tbsp sultanas, soaked in a bit of bourbon
- 845g (29¾oz) full-fat soft cream cheese
- 3 medium eggs
- 1½ tsp vanilla essence
- Seeds from 1 vanilla pod
- Splash of Jack Daniels or bourbon (optional)
- 375ml (12½fl oz) double or single cream
To Serve:
- 10 small bananas
- 25g (1oz) butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Caramel sauce or maple syrup
- Sprig of mint or basil
Method
- Prepare the Oven and Tin:
- First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas 4).
- Then, butter a 25cm (10in) loose-bottomed or springform cake tin.
- Prepare the Base:
- Next, cut the sponge cake horizontally into two discs.
- Use one disc to line the bottom of the prepared cake tin.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, mix together the caster sugar, finely grated lemon zest, cornflour, and the sultanas soaked in bourbon.
- Then, add the full-fat soft cream cheese to the mixture and beat until smooth.
- Afterwards, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- Subsequently, stir in the vanilla essence and the seeds from the vanilla pod.
- If desired, add a splash of Jack Daniels or bourbon.
- Finally, pour in the double or single cream and mix until the filling is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the sponge base in the cake tin.
- Place the cake tin inside a larger baking tray.
- Then, pour 2–3mm of warm water into the tray to create a water bath. This helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble.
- Afterwards, turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool inside. This gradual cooling helps set the cheesecake without cracks.
- Cool and Remove:
- Once completely cooled, remove the cheesecake from the oven.
- Then, carefully release it from the tin.
- Prepare the Caramelized Bananas:
- Just before serving, slice the small bananas.
- In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sugar and stir until it begins to caramelize.
- Next, add the banana slices and cook until they are golden and caramelized.
- Serve:
- Place slices of the cheesecake on serving plates.
- Then, top with the caramelized bananas.
- Afterwards, drizzle with caramel sauce or maple syrup.
- Finally, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or basil.
Pro Tip
This creamy American cheesecake pairs perfectly with a glass of bourbon for an extra kick! Furthermore, the addition of bourbon in both the sultanas and the filling adds depth and a subtle warmth to the dessert.
FAQs
Q: Can I omit the bourbon in the recipe?
A: Yes, you can omit the bourbon if you prefer. In that case, the cheesecake will still be rich and delicious without it.
Q: What can I use instead of a sponge cake base?
A: Alternatively, you can use a traditional biscuit crumb base made from crushed digestive biscuits and melted butter if you prefer a different texture.
Q: How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
A: Baking the cheesecake in a water bath and allowing it to cool gradually in the oven helps prevent cracks.
Conclusion
Indulge in this best baked cheesecake recipe at your next gathering or simply treat yourself to a luxurious dessert. Therefore, with its rich flavors and smooth, creamy texture, this Decadent American Baked Cheesecake recipe is sure to impress everyone who tries it.