Why is cheesecake most popular? | Supermoon Japanese Style Cheesecakes (2024)

People all over the globe love cheesecake but what makes it so popular? Is it the creamy, dreamy texture? The wide variety of flavors? The fact that you can dress it up or down for any occasion?

You might be thinking, “Who cares why cheesecake is popular? I just want to eat it!” But understanding the reasons behind its popularity can help you appreciate this classic dessert even more.

There are many different theories about why cheesecake is so popular. Many people believe that the reason for its popularity dates back to ancient Greece, there is a common belief that it was served to athletes during the first Olympic Games.

Others say that it was a popular dessert in medieval England. No matter its origin, people all over the world love these mouth-watering desserts.

So, what makes cheesecake so special?

The answer is simple: it’s delicious! Cheesecake is the perfect combination of sweet and rich, with a smooth texture that melts in your mouth.

You can experiment with endless flavor combinations, from classic strawberry cheesecake to more creative flavors like pumpkin spice or key lime. And it can be dressed up or down for any occasion, making it the perfect dessert for any time of year.

Let’s take a look at its history and its modern-day popularity to better understand its popularity.

Ancient Greece

It all started with Aegimus, a Greek physician credited with being the first to create a cheesecake recipe. His version was a simple mixture of cheese and wheat flour, baked in an oven.

The Greeks believed that cheesecake had medicinal properties and served it to athletes during the first Olympic Games in 776 BC. The cheesecake was also a popular offering at temples, where it was given to the gods as a sign of respect.

Global Phenomenon

Cheesecake is now a global phenomenon, enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures. In the United States, people prefer to have their cheesecake with toppings, such as strawberries, blueberries, or chocolate sauce.

In Japan, green tea-flavored cheesecake is popular. And in Italy, ricotta cheese is used to make a lighter version of the dessert. No matter where you are in the world, there is sure to be a cheesecake recipe that you will love.

But what made this dessert so popular in the first place? Now that we know about the history of cheesecakes it’s time to take a closer look at some of the reasons why cheesecake is one of the most loved desserts in the world.

Creamy, dreamy texture

The creamy, dreamy texture of cheesecake is one of the main reasons for its popularity. The smooth, rich filling and fluffy crust are a perfect match. Moreover, the wide variety of flavors means that there is a cheesecake for everyone.

Wide variety of flavors

Why is cheesecake most popular? | Supermoon Japanese Style Cheesecakes (1)

As we mentioned before, one of the reasons for cheesecake’s popularity is the wide variety of flavors that are available. Whether you like your cheesecake plain or with a fruity topping, there is sure to be a flavor that you will love.

Can be dressed up or down for any occasion

What makes cheesecake so versatile is that it can be tailored to any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a dinner party or a simple snack to enjoy with your family, cheesecake is the perfect choice.

If you have read till here then you have an in-depth understanding of the history of cheesecake, as well as its modern-day popularity. Now, it’s time we talk about the types of cheesecakes.

Types of Cheesecakes

Mainly there are two types of cheesecake: baked and unbaked. The ingredients for both types of cheesecakes are generally the same, with the main difference being that unbaked cheesecakes do not require baking.

Baked cheesecakes usually have a higher ratio of cream cheese to other ingredients, resulting in a richer flavor. The proportion of other dairy products such as sour/heavy cream is higher in the Unbaked cheesecakes.This results in a lighter, fluffier texture.

There are also several different variations of cheesecake, such as:

New York-style cheesecake:

Undoubtedly the most popular type of cheesecake in the United States, New York-style cheesecake is rich and dense with a cream cheese base. It is usually baked in a springform pan. New York-style cheesecake is the standard by which all other cheesecakes are judged!

Philadelphia-style cheesecake:

A combination of cream cheese and sour cream is used for making Philadelphia-style cheesecake. It is lighter in texture than New York-style cheesecake and is not baked.

Italian-style cheesecake:

The main ingredient used for making Italian-style cheesecake is ricotta cheese. It has a light and fluffy texture, the most enjoyed flavor of this cheesecake is lemon and orange.

Japanese-style cheesecake:

People love the cotton-soft texture of Japanese-style cheesecake. It is made with a combination of egg whites and cream cheese, resulting in a soufflé-like consistency.

Conclusion

This was all about the history of cheesecake and the different types of cheesecakes. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that it has whetted your appetite for cheesecakes. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try out some of these cheesecakes! You’ll be glad you did.

Why is cheesecake most popular? | Supermoon Japanese Style Cheesecakes (2024)

FAQs

Why is Japanese cheesecake so popular? ›

The super soft (and usually very very jiggly) comes from beating the white egg until it's fluffy. They are airy and spongy, and it melts in the mouth. This is a very pleasurable and satisfying feeling when eating or even just looking at a cake, no wonder everyone loves it!

How is Japanese cheesecake different from normal cheesecake? ›

One thing that makes Japanese cheesecake different and special is its unique texture. Unlike traditional cheesecakes, which are dense and heavy, Japanese cheesecakes are light and airy. With a combination of whipped egg whites and cream cheese, this dessert takes on the perfect balance of smoothness and fluffiness.

What is the most popular type of cheesecake? ›

New York-style cheesecake:

Undoubtedly the most popular type of cheesecake in the United States, New York-style cheesecake is rich and dense with a cream cheese base. It is usually baked in a springform pan.

Why is cheesecake so popular? ›

Available in countless varieties and flavours, you're not stuck with the typical traditional cakes that only tend to come in classic flavours like vanilla and chocolate. From baked to no-bake varieties to those with fruit purees, your imagination is the only restriction.

What brand of Japanese cheesecake is famous? ›

Uncle Tetsu's Japanese Cheesecake was established in 1990 and has been recognised as the best-selling cheesecake brand across globe.

How popular is cheese in Japan? ›

Fresh cheeses were the most popular type of cheese in Japan, according to a survey conducted in October 2023. Almost 63 percent of respondents named cheeses like mozzarella and mascarpone a favorite, followed by processed cheese.

Does Japanese cheesecake taste good? ›

This classic Japanese dessert is a delightful fusion of lightness and creaminess, achieved through the meticulous combination of egg yolk custard with whipped meringue to create that signature bounce. Adding cream cheese, butter, and milk to the custard provides a rich and indulgent dimension to each bite.

Why is my Japanese cheesecake not fluffy? ›

Why is my cheesecake not fluffy? The airy texture comes from the folding of whipped egg whites through the batter. However, if the egg whites are not folded properly it can result in a dense cake. If you under-mix the egg whites into the batter you will have a cake with a dense bottom and light top.

How long can Japanese cheesecake last? ›

How long will they last? Our Japanese Cheesecakes can stay in room temperature for up to 12 hours. We recommend putting them in the fridge as soon as possible, and they can last refrigerated for up to 3 days.

What is the most expensive cheesecake sold? ›

The most expensive cheesecake in the world is from Rafele Ristorante in New York City and it's $5,000. But unlike those gimmicky desserts that cost $10,000 but come with a diamond ring or a trip, this one is so expensive because of the ingredients they use to make it.

What is the difference between Japanese cheesecake and Basque cheesecake? ›

Basque cheesecake: This is a crustless cheesecake, just like a Japanese one, but it has a burnt top layer that adds a distinctive caramel note. The cheesecake, which has the usual suspects like eggs, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla essence, is intentionally left in the oven for the top layer to scorch.

Which country is famous for cheesecake? ›

While many assume cheesecake originated in New York, it dates back much much further! Over 4,000 years ago in the fifth century BC, the ancient Greeks on the island of Samos created the earliest known cheesecake.

Is cheesecake popular in Japan? ›

Although it isn't a traditional dessert of Japan, Japanese bakeries have made their mark on the cheesecake scene, endowing cheesecakes with their own flavor and texture preferences.

What state is best known for cheesecake? ›

New York is not the only place in America that puts its own spin on cheesecakes. In Chicago, sour cream is added to the recipe to keep it creamy. Meanwhile, Philadelphia cheesecake is known for being lighter and creamier than New York style cheesecake and it can be served with fruit or chocolate toppings.

How are you supposed to eat Japanese cheesecake? ›

Introduction: Japanese Jiggly Cheesecake

It's actually best to eat it after it's been chilled, though. If you consume it straight away, it's got more of a puffy texture with an eggy flavour. Chilled, it's a more dense, lightly sweet, creamy delight.

Is Japanese cheesecake worth it? ›

What makes Japanese soufflé cheesecake so good is its airy/fluffy soufflé-like texture and subtle sweetness (compared to traditional cheesecake). In a way, it's like the perfect cross of angel food cake and cheesecake. It's not as rich or dense as a standard cheesecake and honestly, that's what I like about it.

Should I put Japanese cheesecake in the fridge? ›

How long will they last? Our Japanese Cheesecakes can stay in room temperature for up to 12 hours. We recommend putting them in the fridge as soon as possible, and they can last refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Roderick King

Last Updated:

Views: 5640

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Roderick King

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: 3782 Madge Knoll, East Dudley, MA 63913

Phone: +2521695290067

Job: Customer Sales Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Embroidery, Parkour, Kitesurfing, Rock climbing, Sand art, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Roderick King, I am a cute, splendid, excited, perfect, gentle, funny, vivacious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.