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What Does Cheesecake Taste Like?

Norah Clark
Slice of raspberry cheesecake

Norah Clark

Norah Clark, Editor of Boyd Hampers! Norah is a food writer with over a decade of experience in hospitality as a pastry chef, sous chef, and barista; former chef at the Savoy Hotel, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons and Plaza Hotel.

Cheesecake has a rich and creamy flavor with a slightly tangy and sweet taste. The texture is smooth and dense, often with a buttery graham cracker crust, making it a decadent and indulgent dessert.

Cheesecake is a well-loved dessert, and with great reason! It’s a flavor unlike any other and is delicious chilled, warm, with or without toppings; it’s incredibly adaptable!

If you’ve never had cheesecake before, there's a good chance you have wondered why cheesecake is called cheesecake. 

There are many kinds of cheesecakes, and a variety of flavors too. Find out more about the taste of cheesecake, in addition to what cheesecake should not be like. You’ll be able to tell if yours is safe to consume!

What Does Cheesecake Taste Like?

Picture of a cream cheese cheesecake.
Picture of a cream cheese cheesecake.

The flavor of cheesecake is distinct, and if you shut your eyes and ate a piece, you’d be able to identify the flavor right from the start.

One of the most important ingredients of the cheesecake recipe is cream cheese which where the dessert gets its name and flavor. But, the secret is that it’s sweetened by sugar which balances the sharpness of the cream cheese.

Even with the added sugar, you'll still find that cheesecake has a tarty taste. These flavors work together to make a delicious and balanced dessert, which melts in the mouth.

Common cheesecake crusts or bases include digestible biscuits or crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter.

Cheesecakes made with no baking are typically served cold, while baked cheesecakes are served cold or warm. Baked cheesecakes are also prepared using cornstarch and eggs, which makes them heavier and more luscious.

What Does Cheesecake Smell Like?

A homemade cheesecake is the scent of sweet cream cheese with notes of the ingredients you have in it. My favorite is adding rich chocolate like Lindt or Nutella to the cheesecake mixture, which makes the smell even more intense.

There should also be notable scents from the other key components, such as creamy vanilla essence, condensed milk, or maybe almond! 

But, the simple answer is – the cheesecake should smell fresh and not sour. Read on for what to look out for in a sour cheesecake.

Can Cheesecake Taste Sour?

Cheesecake can be tart and tangy because of the cream cheese, but it really shouldn’t be sour. 

Baking cheesecakes makes the tanginess more prominent, but it’s balanced with all the other flavors. Cheesecakes that are not baked are a good option for those who are hesitant to experience the full flavor.

Certain toppings do a great job of balancing the tangy taste, while others, like lemon in the mix, will bring it out more.

Baked Vs Non-Baked Cheesecake

Picture of a baked cheesecake.
Picture of a baked cheesecake.

A classic oven-baked cheesecake is a New York cheesecake, which most people are familiar with. Its made up of eggs, cream cheese, sugar, cornstarch, and cream.

It’s quite difficult to get right, but when executed correctly, New York cheesecake is thick, creamy, soft, and delicious. It is typically served plain or with a sprinkling of dusted sugar on top. 

No-bake cheesecake is very simple to make and uses fewer ingredients. It is a favorite dessert for the summer because it’s fresh and light.

It is prepared using a base of butter and biscuits which is filled with a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and other flavors like lemon. After preparation, it's put into a round springform and then placed in the refrigerator to chill and set.

If you’re keen to try it, we’ve got an easy recipe for no-bake cheesecake made with ricotta which is guaranteed to blow your socks off!

The best thing about no-bake cheesecakes is the wide options of toppings that enhance its deliciousness. 

Is There A Favorite Cheesecake Flavor?

 

Cheesecake tastes sweet, tart, and deliciously tangy! The most popular flavor is strawberry cheesecake.

What Are The Different Cheesecake Flavors?

There’s no limit to the flavor of cheesecake you can create. It all comes down to what you enjoy! 

If you’re planning to make a baked cheesecake or a no-baked cheesecake, here are some recipe suggestions:

  • Chocolate or Nutella
  • Peanut butter
  • Fruits from the forest
  • Oreo cheesecake
  • Vanilla cheesecake
  • Strawberry cheesecake
  • Blueberry cheesecake
  • Pecans and maple
  • Salted caramel

Does Cheesecake Taste Sour?

 

Before you eat the cheesecake, you should look closely at it. Examine its color, which is expected to be an off-white or light yellow. If the edge of the cheesecake is turning brown or tan, it could indicate that it’s getting old.

Older cheesecake can begin to seep liquid into the base, so be sure you check for this.

There may also be an unpleasant smell if it's going stale. 

If you don’t detect any of these indicators, tasting it will be the final indicator. It won’t be the deliciously sweet and tangy flavor that you’d expect. The cheesecake will be acidic and taste slightly rancid.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How would you describe a cheesecake?

As an ex-pastry chef, I would easily describe a cheesecake as a dense, sweetly tangy dessert made from a cream cheese, eggs, and sugar over a base crust and topped with any topping you can imagine.

How can I store cheesecake?

It is best to keep the cheesecake in the refrigerator. The cheesecake should be wrapped in a container or covered with plastic wrap to prevent any moisture build-up or risk of contamination from other foods that are in your refrigerator.

It is also possible to freeze it. The best method is to wrap it with plastic wrap and then place it in aluminum foil or a freezer bag made of plastic, with the entire air squeezed out for additional protection.

Can you eat warm cheesecake?

Baked cheesecake is served right out of the oven, with perhaps ice cream or cream.

What does cream cheese taste like?

Cream cheese is a soft, neutral-tasting cheese made from cow’s milk and then mixed with cream. You will find it has a subtle sweetness, mild tanginess, and silky smooth texture making it extremely versatile. I love to spread it on a bagel, mix it into cookie dough or cake batter, or use it in a cheesecake mix.

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