Ingredients
Scale
Gathering the right ingredients is essential to any successful bake. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound (16 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For those who prefer a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of almond flour. It’s a lovely alternative that adds a subtle nutty flavor to the cheesecake.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends over the edges for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. This step reminds me of Mama Lou’s gentle patience, teaching me that good things take time and care.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. As each egg blends in, I recall Ouma’s laughter echoing through the kitchen as we eagerly anticipated the final product.
- Pour in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix until fully incorporated and smooth. This is where the magic happens, as the ingredients come together into a silky batter.
- Sift the flour over the batter and fold it in gently, taking care not to overmix. Mama Lou always emphasized the importance of a light touch, a lesson I’ve carried with me through countless bakes.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden brown and the center still jiggles slightly.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool in the pan at room temperature. The waiting, though challenging, is rewarded by the rich, creamy texture that develops as it sets.
- Once cooled, carefully lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper and transfer it to a serving plate. Slice and serve to the delight of family and friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International