Fried Cheesecake
What is Fried Cheesecake?
When you think of fried cheesecake, you may imagine a piece of cake frying in a pan. Sounds strange, doesn't it? Luckily for us, this isn't what fried cheesecake actually is. In reality, it's not a slice, but little bite-sized balls. Also, it's not a pan that does the frying.
Constructed out of the very same ingredients as original cheesecake, these bite-sized balls are fried in a deep fryer. This process gives them a lovely, crispy layer on top, making them an ultimate comfort food for many.
Is Cheesecake Italian or American?
When talking about the original cheesecake we all know and love, there's always the question of its origin. Is it Italian or is it American? Well, we're here to put an end to that debate with a very interesting answer!
Truth is, cheesecake isn't Italian nor American. Credit for its invention is actually given to Ancient Greeks. Shocking, right? Who would've thought!
However, don't think that Aristotle was munching on some cream cheese and graham crackers. The recipe used back then was actually pretty different from what we know and love today.
In Ancient Greece, a cheesecake was a patty of fresh cheese, beaten-until-smooth, with a bit of flour and honey. It was then baked on an earthenware griddle. Even though simple, the dish was super-delicious and well-loved. We can argue it was a comfort food back then, too!
It wasn't until the 13th-14th century that a variant similar to today's showed up and started to be popularized. First spotted in England in the 1300s, cheesecake was a tart-like dessert made with various types of cheeses and spices like elderflower and ginger. It was regarded as baked custard or baked pudding.
As history progressed and new territories were discovered, the recipe travelled and changed. Soon enough it reached America, where it settled down pretty well and went through the motions until it became what we now know as a cheesecake.
What is Fried Cheesecake Made of?
The recipe for fried cheesecake is quite a simple one. As we mentioned before, the dish is made from the same ingredients as regular cheesecake, with only a few differences along the way.
It all starts by mixing cream cheese, graham crackers, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and sugar. This mix is then frozen. Once chilled and hardened, the balls are dipped in batter and fried in canola oil.
The fried cheesecake bites are then coated in powdered sugar and often served with strawberry sauce, caramel sauce, and various fruit jams. They also go great with fresh fruit for a lighter version.
All in all, these cheesecake bites are easy to make and taste very good. Even though the original recipe isn't vegan-friendly, swapping regular with vegan cream cheese transforms this dish into a vegan's favorite. Vegan fried cheesecake can be found in a variety of restaurants across America and is honestly just as good as the original one!
Is Deep Fried Cheesecake Healthy?
In all honesty, no, fried cheesecake isn't a healthy snack. Anything deep fried doesn't have many health benefits, but that's okay. Not everything we eat is supposed to be healthy and if we practice moderation, no food should be off limits!
To give you the facts, a regular serving of this dish packs about 620 calories, with 53g of carbs, 32g of fat, and 8g of protein. Even though it may seem like a lot, this amount isn't as scary as it sounds, especially if this is a treat! We all deserve one of those once in a while!
Fun Facts
- It's not known exactly who invented deep fried cheesecake. All we know is that it's an American invention
- Many people insist their cheesecake bites be served with homemade sauces as the higher amount of fruit makes the dish even better
- Italian restaurants often use mascarpone cream cheese to make this dish because of its heavy consistency and rich taste
Where Can I Find Fried Cheesecake Near Me?
If all this reading made you hungry, here are some restaurant recommendations for you!
If you’re in Baltimore, check out Viccino Italian Gourmet. As the name suggests, this restaurant is an excellent spot for gourmands that would love a high dining experience without the added cost.
In Philly, we’d like to recommend Park Pizza. Another great spot, Park Pizza has been our partner for quite a while now and is one of the most-loved restaurants in its area.
Finally, one of our go-to places in Houston, Big Ben’s Pizza. Super friendly and serving amazing food and desserts, we’re sure you’ll fall in love with Big Ben’s and its staff.
If you didn’t find your city on our list, don’t worry! Head to the Slice website and you’ll find a plethora of incredible restaurants in your area. You can search by dish as well as location and soon come up with a name of a great local spot.
We can’t wait to see you there!
