Mocha Cheesecake for #SundaySupper

Mar 3, 2013 by

I’ve been craving cheesecake for a while now. In fact, I can’t even remember the last time I had some. Cheesecake has got to be one of my favourite desserts. I am a bit picky though. I have a weird thing about texture so my cheesecake has to be smooth and without chunky ingredients. Not to say that I won’t enjoy a cheesecake with fruits etc, but it probably wouldn’t be my first choice. A topping is fine – such as a classic cherry cheesecake. There’s just something about a cheesecake that brings such pleasure to the palate. The creamy texture. The delicious delight that it is. Some days, I just really need cheesecake. Today’s #SundaySupper theme is Cheese, Cake and Cheesecake. Our lovely host is Angie from Big Bear’s Wife.

I wanted to make something that worked well with cream cheese. Perhaps another favourite ingredient. I didn’t have to look far for a recipe. I reached for a recent addition to my cookbook collection – 500 Cakes by Susannah Blake. It was an obvious choice for me to choose the Chocolate Cheesecake. There were quite a few cheesecake recipes to choose from so I imagine upon the arrival of my next cheesecake craving, I know where I should look first.

 

Mocha Cheesecake_1

 

 

Chocolate Mocha Cheesecake for #SundaySupper

Prep Time: 50 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups Finely ground graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 Tsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (and extra for dusting)
  • 3/4 Cup Unsalted Butter, melted
  • 7 Oz Semisweet Chocolate
  • 16 Oz Low Fat Cream Cheese, softened (2 X 8oz packs)
  • 3/4 Cup Low Fat Sour Cream
  • 3/4 Cup Superfine Sugar
  • 2 Tsp Cornstarch
  • 3 Large Eggs
  • 1 Tbsp Instant Coffee dissolved in 1 Tbsp Boiling Water

Instructions

  1. Grease an 8-inch springform cake pan. Line with parchment paper
  2. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and cocoa powder
  3. Place crumb mixture into the pan. Using your fingers, press the crumbs down and about half way up the sides, forming a firm crust.
  4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes
  5. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl, over a pot of simmering water to melt. The bowl should not be touching the simmering water. The steam is what gently melts the chocolate. Stir occasionally, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  6. Preheat your oven to 320F
  7. Retrieve your cake pan and wrap with 2 layers of foil. Wrap the bottom of the pan with the intention of keeping water from seeping in during baking.
  8. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth
  9. Beat in the sour cream, sugar and cornstarch
  10. Beat in eggs, one at a time until fully combined
  11. Fold in the melted chocolate and the coffee liquid until fully incorporated
  12. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan and level off using an offset spatula
  13. Place the cake pan into an oven proof pan or dish, that has a deep rim - a little taller than your cake pan.
  14. Pour enough boiling water into the dish until it gets about half way up the side of the cake pan
  15. Bake for 50 minutes until set
  16. Allow to cool completely
  17. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight
  18. To serve: carefully remove the springform pan and dust the cake with cocoa powder and shredded chocolate

Notes

Adapted from 500 Cakes by Susannah Blake

https://lovelypantry.com/2013/03/mocha-cheesecake-for-sundaysupper/

 

It seemed a little odd at first, to make a cake with no flour. But then I remembered that I’ve made a few flourless cakes – I just don’t make them often enough.

 

Mocha Cheesecake-1

Ingredients to make Mocha Cheesecake

 

The crust came together very well and did exactly what I needed it to do. I actually made the graham crumbs myself using my little Magic Bullet. That little gadget has really proven its worth. It gets more use than my blender. I cannot emphasize enough – wrap the springform pan well to avoid water seeping in.

 Mocha Cheesecake Prep

 

 

Mocha - coffee

Instant Coffee

The decision to add the mocha component happened as I was folding in the melted chocolate. Although the batter smelled wonderful, I wanted to give it a gentle kick to bring it up a notch. I’ll try the plain version another time. Hence the mocha cheesecake was created!

 

 

 

 

I used the biggest pan I had that was deep enough to bake this cake. Thank goodness for my roasting pan!

 

Mocha Cheesecake_5

 

The cake came out great! Almost perfect, actually. As it cooled, the edges pulled away from the pan and this made it easier to transfer to a serving dish.

 

Mocha Cheesecake-8

Cheesecake, fresh out the oven.

 

Slicing this cheesecake was a delight. The texture was so creamy and smooth. It was like we were meeting for this first time, this cheesecake and I. It took some time to prepare, and a little additional effort – but my oh my, it was worth it.

 

 Mocha Cheesecake_6

 

We enjoyed our Mocha Cheesecake. I enjoyed just looking at it even before I took the first bite! LOL!

 

Mocha Cheesecake_4

A slice of bliss…Mocha Cheesecake

 

The #SundaySupper Group has some super fantastic recipes for this week! Check out the  savory cheese dishes, wonderful cakes and amazing cheesecakes!

 

 

Cheese 

 

Cakes

 

 

Cheesecakes

***
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. This week we will be sharing our love of Cheese, Cakes AND Cheesecakes!  Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST!

Follow the #SundaySupper hash tag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat.Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Join us Around the Family Table this Sunday at 7PM Eastern Time and share your favorite Cheese, Cake and Cheesecake Recipes with us!

 

 

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Victoria Sponge Cake With Cream Cheese for #SundaySupper

Jan 20, 2013 by

Welcome to another #SundaySupper! This Week’s theme is all about “Retro Recipes.”  You know, those food memories that immediately take us back in time.  There are some recipes that are tried and true. Some of them we wouldn’t think of making any changes, because it would become something totally different. And then there are some with room for flexibility and adventure. I love a little bit of both in my kitchen. These are the recipes that remind us of our childhood, our grandparents, our parents, or foods that were the norm during a certain era.

Most of the things that I make are either fairly new to me or remind me of home. Until I was about 11 years old, I lived in London, England. I don’t have too many memories of life there but I do recall some of the funny foods that I would eat at school or visiting my british friends or neighbours. When in London, eat what the Londoners eat! Toad In The Hole, Bangers & Mash, Crumpets, and how can I ever forget Fish & Chips. Whenever I had extra spending money, I would stop and buy myself some “chips” wrapped in newspaper, sprinkled with salt and vinegar. I remember how awesome it was to eat it as I walked home from school. These are what I think of when I think of retro. I don’t know of any Brit that didn’t have fish fingers with ketchup as part of their weekly meals. I know exactly where my tea drinking habit began! My Mom and I always enjoy a cup of tea before bed, even now. That’s the one thing I’m never without. It’s always a good time for a cuppa.

In Jamaica there are some recipes that have certainly stood the test of time! Grater Cake, Coconut Drops, Jerk Chicken, Oxtail, Curried Goat, Cornmeal Pudding, Black Cake (also known as Christmas Pudding), Sorrel, Blue Drawers, Stew Peas…the list goes on. But today, I’m going to share with you a recipe that I came across last year around the time of The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. It’s called Victoria Sponge Cake and it is a British classic.

 

Victoria Sponge Cake With Cream Cheese_1

Victoria Sponge Cake With Cream Cheese for #SundaySupper

Ingredients

  • 1 Stick + 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 3 Eggs at room temperature
  • 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour, Unbleached
  • 1 Tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt
  • 1/3 Cup Seedless Raspberry Jam
  • Cream Cheese Filling:
  • 1 X 8oz Package Light Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1 Cup Confectioners Sugar
  • 3 Tsp Cream or Milk
  • 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F
  2. Grease 2 cake pans (I used 9 inch but this recipe needed 8 inch pans)
  3. In a medium bowl, add flour, salt and baking powder
  4. In a large bowl, cream the sugar and butter until fluffy
  5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well in between each addition
  6. Add vanilla and mix until fully incorporated
  7. Gently fold in the flour until combined and smooth
  8. Divide batter evenly between pans and level off the batter with an offset spatula
  9. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden and springy to the touch. Do a toothpick test to ensure cake is cooked through
  10. Allow to cool in pans for about 10 minutes then transfer to wire racks to cool completely
  11. For the filling, mix the cream cheese, confectioners sugar, cream and vanilla until silky and light
  12. Transfer one of the cakes into your serving platter. Spread the cream cheese evenly to cover most of the surface using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon
  13. Spread the raspberry jam on top of the cream cheese as close to the edge as you would like
  14. Place the second cake on top to complete the "sandwich". Sprinkle with sifted confectioners sugar
  15. Serve and enjoy!
https://lovelypantry.com/2013/01/victoria-sponge-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting-for-sundaysupper/

Victoria Sponge Cake With Cream Cheese Collage2

 

The first time I made this cake, it was a bit lop-sided so I was happy to try it again. This time around, it came out much better but I think I will do it again to see how else I can get my cake to be lighter and fluffier. There are so many variations of this recipe available. The recipe that I used came from a book called Illustrated Step By Step Baking.I opted to use something different from the suggested butter cream filling. I wanted to changed things up just a little bit so I used a simple cream cheese filling instead. I need to get smaller cake pans. My smallest is 9 inches and I needed 8 inch pans. I think I need to go shopping, don’t you agree?

 

Victoria Sponge Cake With Cream Cheese Slice-1

 

Join us Around the Family Table this Sunday at 7pm Eastern Time and share your favorite Retro Food Memory with us!

The Sunday Supper family have so many wonderful retro and retro inspired dishes to share with you. Be sure to check out the recipes listed below.

Sunday Supper Retro Appetizers:

Sunday Supper Retro Salads:

Sunday Supper Retro Breads and Sandwiches:

SundaySupper Main Dishes:

Sunday Supper Retro Sides and Veggies:

Sunday Supper Retro Desserts and Cocktails:

 

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun.

Follow the#SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat.

Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here → Sunday Supper Movement.

 

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Spelt Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

Jan 11, 2013 by

Cookies are a wonderful treat. Some cookies, take a little time to prepare and others can be made on a whim if you have the right ingredients on hand. I really have to be in the mood to make the type of cookie that takes up time in the kitchen. These cookies? Nothing short of brilliant. I came across it some time ago but wasn’t into making cookies yet. I’m glad I saved it and I am definitely glad that I made them.

I found the recipe for Cream Cheese Cookies and wanted to make it as is. No adapting. I wanted to know what the original cookie tasted like. And I almost succeed.

I have been buying a variety of flours, all with the intention of experimenting and finding alternatives to regular flour. There are so many flours that have wonderful nutritional value. The one I have used the most in the past, is Quinoa flour. For this cookie, I chose to use Spelt flour. I didn’t plan to. My hand just steered to the right of the all-purpose flour. Sometimes in life, you just have to take chances.

 

Spelt Cream Cheese Chocolate Cheese Cookies

Spelt Cream Cheese Chocolate Cheese Cookies

 

Spelt Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
 
A delightful cookie made with spelt flour, cream cheese and mini chocolate chips
Author:
Recipe type: Cookie
Ingredients
  • 1 Stick Unsalted Butter
  • 4oz Light Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 1 Cup Spelt Flour
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • ½ Tsp Salt
  • 4 Tbsp Mini Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F
  2. In a mixing bowl, add butter, cream cheese and sugar. Cream until light and fluffy.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Add to the cream cheese mixture and mix until just combined
  4. Using a cookie scoop, add batter to parchment lined cookie trays, leaving about an inch and a half between them.
  5. Bake for 12 minutes until the edges are browned and be careful not to over-bake
  6. Remove from oven and leave on the tray for about 3 minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack.

 

The chocolate chips didn’t actually make it into the batter until half way through. The first batch was so wonderfully fragrant but I wondered  what I could add that would go nicely with these cookies. I added a few mini chocolate chips. The  regular chocolate chips seemed too large for these delicate cookies.

 

Spelt Cream Cheese Cookies

Spelt Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

I’m not sure how many cookies were taken from this rack while I wasn’t looking. Sticky fingers around here. I don’t blame them.

 

Spelt Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

Spelt Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

I liked how delicate and dainty these cookies looked. I’m sure they’d make an excellent gift or even a quick treat if company popped by.

 

Spelt Cream Cheese Cookies-5

Spelt Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

These cookies are absolutely delightful. With or without the chocolate chips, you’ll absolutely LOVE them. A definite keeper.

~Lyn

 

 

 

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Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins

Dec 12, 2012 by

I didn’t get to indulge in my usual #MuffinMonday this week. Sadly I’ve had to deal with 2 sick kids plus I’m trying to get over a little cold/cough. It’s the season to share in a little more than just holiday spirit. I believe we are on the mend and this means I’ll be back in the kitchen, whipping up something great for you. I do have a muffin recipe that I wanted to share that I made a few weeks ago but didn’t get to post it. I’m so glad that I got to use up some pureed pumpkin that I had in the freezer.

I get so much junk mail delivered to my door, and I usually just recycle. But there was a flyer for a local business that caught my eye. The photograph on the flyer had me drooling. It had a recipe that looked so delicious, I went ahead and made it. And it was so good! I have no idea where the original recipe came from so I have no reference for it. But here it is!

 

Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffin

Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffin

 

Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins
 
Ingredients
  • Filling:
  • 4oz Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1 Egg
  • ½ Cup Icing Sugar
  • Muffins:
  • 1½ Cups All Purpose, Unbleached Flour
  • ½ Tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • ½ Tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • ½ Tsp Salt
  • ½ Tsp Baking Soda
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 1 Cup Pumpkin Puree
  • ½ Cup Vegetable Oil
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F
  2. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, egg and icing sugar. Mix until fully blended. Set aside
  3. Line muffin pans with paper liners
  4. In a medium bowl, add flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and baking soda. Combine with a whisk.
  5. In a large bowl, add eggs, sugar, pumpkin and oil. Mix on low-speed until fully combined.
  6. Gradually add the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture and blend just until incorporated
  7. Fill each liner with ⅔ batter
  8. add 2 Tsp of the cream cheese mixture in top of the batter
  9. Bake for 15 minutes
Notes
This recipe yields 15 muffins

 

 

Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins-1

Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins – cream cheese on the batter

 

This was such a moist muffin ~ and absolutely delicious!

 

Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins-7

Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins

 

These muffins disappeared in no time. The cream cheese was such a great companion for the pumpkin muffin.

 

Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins

Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins

 

Happy Wednesday! I hope your week is going wonderful so far!

~Lyn

 

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Snickerdoodle Muffins with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting for #MuffinMonday

Dec 3, 2012 by

I don’t get many requests from my husband like this, but he asked if he could take some muffins to work to share with his colleagues. He is well aware of my #MuffinMonday fix, and knows that unless the week is lost due to an extremely hectic schedule, muffins shall be made! He and his co-workers work really hard, and for long hours on rotating shifts. It’s very hard on their bodies and affects their sleep pattern. I was more than happy to send this weeks #MuffinMonday goodies for a break time treat! It’s the least I could do for such hard-working guys 🙂

Today’s #MondayMuffin recipe is adapted from Culinary Concoctions by Peabody. This is my first time making snickerdoodle anything. The ingredients looked great but rolling the batter in cinnamon sugar seemed hilarious to me. Couldn’t wait to give it a try! I didn’t make too many changes as I really wanted to keep it simple. I did however, add a topping that somehow just went so well with these muffins. I also believe that this topping made this muffin “a cupcake in disguise”. This has got to be one of the best muffins I’ve tried. (Do I say that every #MuffinMonday?) Seriously, this muffin is moist, delicate, and needed more frosting! I purposely made a small amount of frosting to adorn these muffins. It’s all about control, especially during the holiday season!

Snickerdoodle Muffins with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

 

5.0 from 1 reviews
 

5.0 from 1 reviews
 

 

Wonderful smell, very delicate texture!

 

Snickerdoodle Muffins

 

Very visually appealing. The tops really do look like cookies! Or do I just have cookies on my mind…

I realized after I put these muffins in the oven that I used pretty pink muffin liners for my husband and his co-workers. Hopefully it will make them smile, before and after the first bite.

 

Snickerdoodle Muffins

 

The white chocolate cream cheese frosting was just an experiment and I’m glad it worked out. I’m sure semi-sweet would work just as well. I’m tempted to try it with dark chocolate.

 

Snickerdoodle Muffins with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

 

A very moist muffin. Not too sweet. Seriously addictive.

 

Snickerdoodle Muffins with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

 

Happy Monday!

 

Muffin Monday is an initiative by Baker Street. A culinary journey of sharing a wickedly delicious muffin recipe every week.

Drop in a quick line to join her on her journey to make the world smile and beat glum Monday mornings week after week.

Muffin Monday: http://bakerstreet.tv/muffin-monday/

Muffin 101: http://bakerstreet.tv/muffin-monday/muffin-101/

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