Tuesday, December 30, 2008

TWD - Tall and Creamy Cheesecake

aaaaaand we're back ..... miss me? Sorry folks, I just couldn't embrace the butterscotch pudding from last weeks TWD. Maybe at a later time ....

This week, we have Tall and Creamy Cheesecake which was chosen by Anne of AnneStrawberry . Yeah! I LOVE cheesecake! I made this recipe as is, no changes, no substitutions. Except for the pan. This recipe calls for 9-inch x 2 3/4-inch springform pan. Come on now. Seriously? I just bought a new springform pan for the Caramel Peanut Topped Brownie Cake in October! I made a short and creamy cheesecake with a side of mini cheesecake! This what the twosome looked like at the end of the hour and half baking time.


Dorie's recipe instructs filling the pan all the way to the rim with filling. I only filled my pans about 3/4 full and look how tall they rose! I'm afraid that if I would have followed directions, I would have a had a huge mess! OK, now here's a question for the experienced cheesecakers ... why is that the recipe says the cake will be brown on top but Dorie's photo of her cheesecake is a beautiful white?
The cheesecakes were allowed to cool in the oven for an hour; at which time they looked like this.


I love how the big one isn't even cracked! I'm a perfectionist like that! I could barely stand waiting for these things cool! But wait I did! Dorie recommends chilling for 4 hours so I set my kitchen timer and got ready to dig in ... kidding ... I didn't really set the timer but I may have watched the clock like a hawk.

My graham cracker crumbs seemed a little wet. I'm not sure if I had some water intrusion beyond my foil wrapped pans. It tasted fine though. OK, who am I kidding? Can't you see how smooth and custardy that cake looks? That is exactly how it tasted! Smooth, light, melt in your mouth deliciousness. The best cheesecake I have ever tasted. Ever. My dear boyfriend had this to say. "I don't know how you do it! I must have been eating poop all of my life!" Hmmmmm ... I think there is a compliment in there somewhere? He also said that the cheesecakes he had previously consumed were really dense and he much preferred this one because of the fluff factor. I paraphrased that last part. :)

I wanted to try a couple different toppings. I started with strawberry.

I also had a slice with apple filling from my disasterous Christmas pie. The crust was so horrible that I scooped out the inside and have been using the filling to top ice cream and now my cheesecake! The apple topped slice was spectacular! I will make this cheesecake again and again! But first I have a date (or four) with the treadmill.

Thanks again Anne for choosing this great recipe. Be sure to check out the other TWD cheesecakers! You can find them here.

24 comments:

Engineer Baker said...

Wow, that is one flawless looking cheesecake you've got there. Fabulous. Although I've got a special place in my heart for the mini one - so cute, all puffed up!

Anonymous said...

Another incredible success! Remind me again why i don't still work in your office---because I'm thinking leftovers are heaven.

Megan said...

We loved the cheesecake in our house, but that mini is just calling my name. That date with the treadmill? It's my turn next!

Happy New Year!

Danielle said...

Your cakes came out great. i love the little one! Apple topping does sound good. I am going to try this again but make the cake chocolate!

Anonymous said...

BRAVO! Well done!!!!!

betty geek said...

Heck yeah! Don't you love this cheesecake? This will be my stand-by cheesecake recipe! I don't know why Dorie's cheesecake looks white while ours browned. Photoshop? ;)

Anonymous said...

That cheesecake looks perfect! I love the strawberry sauce on top!

Anne said...

That looks wonderful- the texture and everything looks perfect! I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)

Christine said...

Oh the strawberry sauce on top looks delicious! Your cheesecake came out perfect and I wondered how Dorie's cheesecake didn't brown too!

Jacque said...

Oooh, good idea putting the apple pie filling on TOP. (sounds delish on ice cream too)

You know, I don't know why some cheesecakes ended up brown on top and some not. Good question. Is there any chance your oven runs hot? You can check with an inexpensive oven thermometer.

TeaLady said...

Yummy looking cheesecake. Great job. And open to so many toppings when the cake is plain.

Anonymous said...

Sounds delicious, I actually love the domed look.

Leslie said...

Mmm..your cheesecakes look amazing and the apple topping sounds delish! I just loved this recipe, and I'm not even a cheesecake fan.

Anonymous said...

YUM! Your cheesecake looks great.

Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

LOVE the cute little cheesecake! Great idea.

Amanda said...

Gorgeous! I loved it too. My crust was a bit soggy but I didn't have any leaks from the water bath. I think it was moisture from being in the refridge over night? Also, I heard that if you used all sour cream, it wouldn't brown. I used 1 cup cream and some sour cream, and my was slightly browned.

Lynne Daley said...

I like your toppings and the mini cheesecake looks cute. I had a problem with the browning aspect, too. I don't think the top should brown, especially when the photo clearly shows a light top.

CB said...

Wow no craters or cracks. I'd say thats cheesecake perfection! LOL @ your bf's poop comment. I think my hubs said something along the same lines. I'd take it as a compliment ;)
Clara @ iheartfood4thought

Amy of Sing For Your Supper said...

It looks great! I loved this recipe!!

-Amy
www.singforyoursupperblog.com

kimberly salem said...

it looks wonderful!! i've never made cheesecake before so i'm not sure about the browning, but i think it still looks delicious :)

Fit Chick said...

Looks great and I am glad you enjoyed it. Not sure about the brown top, my mom's was always white.

threesidesofcrazy said...

That apple slice sounds incredible!!

Marthe said...

Your cheesecake looks amazing!! My crumbs were too dry, so next time I'll probably use a little bit more butter in the crust...

Cakelaw said...

Your large cheesecake is picture perfect! Love both the strawberry and apple topping ideas.