Vanilla cheesecake is a classic dessert that brings together the rich and creamy goodness of cheesecake with the delicate and aromatic flavor of vanilla. The history of cheesecake dates back to ancient Greece, where it was believed to be served to athletes during the first Olympic Games as a source of energy. The original Greek cheesecake was made with simple ingredients like cheese, honey, and wheat.

As civilization advanced, variations of cheesecake emerged in different parts of the world. The modern cheesecake, with its cream cheese-based filling, is attributed to the invention of cream cheese in the United States in the late 1800s. Cream cheese, a primary ingredient in most cheesecake recipes, was accidentally created by a New York dairyman named William Lawrence, who was attempting to replicate the French cheese Neufchâtel.

The addition of vanilla to the cheesecake recipe brought a delightful twist to the dessert. Vanilla, derived from the vanilla orchid, is one of the most popular and beloved flavors in the world. Its warm and inviting aroma, combined with the creaminess of cheesecake, creates a heavenly treat that continues to be cherished by dessert enthusiasts worldwide.

Our vanilla cheesecake recipe is a celebration of the timeless and beloved dessert. It begins with a buttery graham cracker crust, adding a satisfying crunch to the smooth and velvety cheesecake filling. The filling itself is a blend of cream cheese, sugar, and the seeds of vanilla beans, providing a subtle and elegant vanilla flavor to each bite. The cheesecake is then baked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to become delightfully creamy.

To take this vanilla cheesecake to the next level, a luscious white chocolate mousse is added as a second layer. The mousse brings a light and airy touch to the dessert, complementing the creaminess of the cheesecake. It’s topped with a vanilla-infused whipped cream, creating a beautiful presentation and enhancing the overall vanilla experience.

The result is a divine and sophisticated dessert that satisfies the sweet tooth and leaves a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to savor its delectable flavors.

Now that we’ve explored the history and story behind vanilla cheesecake, let’s dive into the recipe with its ingredients and instructions.

INGREDIENTS

Crust:

• 1 2/3 cup (216g) crushed graham cracker crumbs
• 2 Tbsp (30g) granulated sugar
• 6 Tbsp (3 oz) unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (210g) granulated sugar
• Seeds of 2 vanilla beans
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup (180g) sour cream
• 1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream

Mousse:

• 7 oz white chocolate, roughly chopped
• 1 1/2 cups (355ml) heavy cream
• 6 oz cream cheese, nearly at room temperature
• 1 1/2 tbsp (22g) granulated sugar
• Seeds of 1 vanilla bean

Topping:

• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 tbsp (22g) granulated sugar
• Seeds of 1/2 vanilla bean

INSTRUCTIONS

Crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Add the melted butter and mix with a fork until the mixture is evenly moistened.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to create the crust.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.

Cheesecake:

1. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius). Have a large roasting pan ready and boil about 4 quarts of water.
2. In a mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer, blend together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and seeds of 2 vanilla beans until smooth.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition. Then, add the sour cream and heavy cream, and mix just until combined. Tap the bowl forcefully against the countertop about 30 times to release any large air bubbles.
4. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust and smooth it into an even layer.
5. Place the cheesecake in the roasting pan, and then place the roasting pan in the oven. Carefully pour enough boiling water into the roasting pan to reach halfway up the side of the cheesecake pan.
6. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven until it is set but still slightly jiggly in the center, about 65 minutes. Leave the cheesecake in the oven, keep the oven door closed, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
7. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool it on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Tent the pan with foil and then chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight.

Mousse:

1. Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl on 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring between intervals, until it is melted and smooth. Set it aside and let it cool until just lukewarm.
2. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Then, add the sugar and whip until stiff peaks form. Set it aside.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese with the seeds of a vanilla bean until smooth. Mix in the melted white chocolate. Add half of the whipped cream mixture and fold it with a rubber spatula until nearly combined, then add the remaining half of the whipped cream mixture and fold until fully combined with no streaks remaining.
4. Pour the white chocolate mousse over the chilled cheesecake and spread it into an even layer. Tent the pan with foil and return it to the refrigerator to chill for 1 1/2 hours.

Topping:

1. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the seeds of half a vanilla bean until soft peaks form.
2. Add the sugar and whip until stiff peaks form. Run a knife around the edges of the chilled cheesecake to loosen it from the pan.
3. Spread the whipped cream over the mousse layer within 2 hours of serving.
4. Remove the foil from the pan, release the springform pan ring, and garnish the cheesecake with raspberries and mint leaves. Cut it into slices and serve.

This vanilla cheesecake is a true delight that will impress your family and friends with its exquisite taste and elegant presentation. Enjoy every creamy and aromatic bite!