By Griselda M., last updated on October 8, 2024
If you wonder “What is a French-style cheesecake?”, you’re in the right place. This cheesecake is simple, elegant, and a bit different than the popular New York Cheesecake. The French one it’s creamier and leaves you with a strong vanilla flavor from the first bite.
But why is it different? What makes this French Cheesecake different than the others? In this post, we have made our research and came up with some interesting information about the differences between them. As well as a delicious recipe that will melt in your mouth. Keep reading!
Where Does it Come From? A Little Bit of History
This french cheesecake comes straight from the region of Alsace, France, where is called Käsküeche, which means Fromages (Cheeses) or White Cheese Pie. Its main ingredients are a white cheese called Fromage Blanc, eggs, vanilla (optional), and lemon zest.
As you may know, the word Käsküeche it’s german, also, the Germans use quark in their cheesecake version.
The region of Alsace has gathered german cooking techniques throughout history and has merged them with its regional cuisine. Why is this? This is because, since 1681, Alsace has switched between French and German government control five times, and with this its cuisine.
Yes, the French have their personality and uniqueness. And here is another interesting fact… As you may not know, they’re not sugar lovers, they rather not eat dessert, than have to eat a very sugary one.
What Makes French-Style Cheesecake Different?
In this paragraph, I’m going to discuss a few reasons why cooking a French-Style Cheesecake makes your mouth melt easier than the other types. Let’s start by saying that our protagonist French Cheesecake tends to have more flavor than its closest New Yorker relative.
The French opted for a pie bottom instead, and it’s also known as Cheese Pie for this reason. The New York version is made from the usual biscuit-graham crumbles, in addition… they put orange zest beside the lemon one.
For the French style, the whites get separated from the yolks to whip and mix them later. Why? Because this is the most important step so the cheesecake can get its fluffy and bubbly texture. You can hear the air bubbles once cooked if you touch it!
These are some of the attributes that make it deliciously different
- Not so sweet as what you may be used to.
- The French-style cheesecake has a slight bitterness.
- The original version is filled with brandy-soaked prunes.
- Its base is a pie crust resemblance, made out of butter, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and flour.
- The key ingredient is called Fromage Blanc.
- The French version is more light and fluffy, not like the traditional New York cheesecake which is very dense and heavy, the difference comes in tiny air bubbles!
French Cream Cheesecake
Fromage Blanc is a very popular dairy product in France, and the texture it’s similar to cream cheese. But hey… we all know this special product cannot be found in America that easily.
A French Cream Cheesecake doesn’t necessarily have to be made with Cream Cheese, as you can see, you can choose the one you prefer. So If you can’t find Fromage Blanc at the supermarket or your favorite bakery dispensary… here we have some other options for you.
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese.
- Ricotta Cheese.
- Quark.
- Mascarpone Cheese.
- Camembert, a soft-ripened double-creme French cheese.
- Milder Brie (this, and the Camembert will create a more dense cheesecake texture).
- Any Double Cream Cheese.
You can try them all and choose your favorite one. Then you can write it down in your personalized cookbook. And trust me, for sure, you will be able to find these at your local store, or you may have one of these in your fridge by now.
So, get prepared for a mouth-watering experience. We absolutely dare you!
Our Delicious French-Style Cheesecake Recipe
As we mentioned before, there are two main differences between New York and French Cheesecake. These two are the most important ones, they really differ from one another, giving them their personality.
This upcoming recipe that we are introducing to you, doesn’t come with a Grandma’s Secret Pie Crust Recipe. Make sure to have this in handy before continuing with this tasty recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 Piece Pie Crust
- 3 Piece Large Eggs
- 1/3 Cup Wheat Flour
- 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar (to taste)
- 16 Ounces Fromage Blanc (quark, or preferred substitute)
- 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 tbsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- Powder Sugar or Wild Berries to decorate (optional)
Equipment
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Oven
-
Refrigerator
Step-by-Step instructions
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
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Step 5
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Step 8
Step 9
Tips and Tricks
Make sure yours gets the perfect texture. Testing it in the center with a toothpick would not work, the center of your cheesecake should lightly jiggle. The heat will help firm up the center as it cools.
Final Words – What is a French-Style Cheesecake?
This elegant French-Style Cheesecake deserves to be perfect, respecting its changes throughout history.
Now you know a little bit more about the differences between the New York and the French one, try them all, no need to rush, no need to opt for just one, and don’t forget to let us know in the comment box below which one you prefer.
Enjoy!
French Style Cheesecake
Equipment
- Oven
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
- 1 Piece Pie Crust
- 3 Piece Large Eggs
- 1/3 Cup Wheat Flour
- 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar (to taste)
- 16 Ounces Fromage Blanc (quark, or preferred substitute)
- 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 tbsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- Powder Sugar or Wild Berries to decorate (optional)
Instructions
- Separate the egg whites and yolks, let the whites rest in a metal bowl, allow them to warm to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven at 350°F.
- Fit the crust in a 9-inch springform pan and push until it adheres well.
- Blend the flour with the granulated sugar in a mixing bowl, add the fromage or its substitute, then add the heavy cream, egg yolks, lemon juice, and mix.
- Whip the egg whites until peaks form, then softly fold it with the egg and cheese mixture with a spatula until you have a homogeneous mixture.
- Power the batter into the springform pan previously prepared with the pie crust, place it into the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.
- Turn off the oven and leave the door slightly open for another 10 minutes. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow to cool completely, then let it chill in the fridge overnight.
- Run a knife around the rim of the springform pan to loosen the cheesecake.
- Serve, sprinkle with powder sugar and enjoy!
Notes
Tips and Tricks For French Style Cheesecake Recipe
Make sure yours gets the perfect texture.When Is A Cheesecake Done Baking - Cheesecakes World? Testing it in the center with a toothpick would not work, the center of your cheesecake should lightly jiggle. The heat will help firm up the center as it cools.Nutrition
Griselda is an experienced pastry chef and baker with a passion for creating delicious desserts. She has been cooking and baking for over ten years and loves the creative process of creating something special for her friends, family, and customers. Griselda has a special talent for creating beautiful and tasty desserts like cakes, pies, and cookies. She is experienced in a variety of baking techniques and loves to experiment with new flavors and textures. When Griselda isn‘t in the kitchen, she loves to spend time with her friends, family, and her two cats.