Cheesecake: Which Kind?

Question

Rose Levy Beranbaum or Classic NYC?  Stopping at the grocery store on the way home from work.  I'm not a huge cheesecake aficiando, but I've promised to produce one for Sunday brunch.  RLB's version has 3 cups of sour cream; SmittenKitchen's NYC version has none; Cooks Illustrated has both.  In short -- I need a recommendation for a straight-forward, classic, "this is what your guests will expect" cheesecake recipe.

Patricia · Answer

Oops. Pie filling-style, I meant.

Patricia · Answer

The Smitten Kitchen recipe looks close to the original Lindy's cheesecake recipe ( easy to find online ).  It's always nice when a dessert has  a story. You can serve it with lightly sugared fruit, or orange liqueur marinated strawberries, sautéed apples, etc. I think that's nicer than goopy "pie fillong" type toppings - and more refreshing.

AntoniaJames · Answer

Thanks for the tip, HalfPint!  You are so knowledgeable, always.  ;o)

christina · Answer

I don't think NY cheesecake classically has sour cream-that gives off a much different taste. If that's what you're going for, I'd err on a solely cream cheese based one or one with very little sc.

HalfPint · Answer

I think the Cooks Illustrated cheesecake is a good compromise.  I've made it many times and it never fails to impress people.  I don't think you can go wrong with any of the 3 mentioned.   Personally, for a classic cheesecake, I like the CI recipe (for the NY-style cheesecake with the strawberry sauce) since it has a lovely creamy texture and a nice tang from the small amount of sour cream.

Cheesecake: Which Kind?

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