Salvadoran Cheese Cake is a delightful fusion dessert that brings together the classic appeal of cheesecake with the distinctive flavors of El Salvador. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy cream cheese filling, and topped with a luscious Salvadoran-style caramel sauce, this dessert offers a unique and indulgent treat that beautifully blends textures and flavors.
The Salvadoran Cheese Cake, also known as "Pastel de Queso," is a product of culinary cross-cultural influences. Originating in El Salvador, this dessert reflects the country's adaptation of traditional Spanish cheesecakes with local ingredients and techniques. The use of cheese in Salvadoran desserts dates back to Spanish colonization, where indigenous and Spanish culinary practices merged. Over time, Salvadoran cooks incorporated local cheeses like queso fresco into various sweet treats, leading to the creation of this distinct dessert. Today, Salvadoran Cheese Cake is enjoyed both in El Salvador and by Salvadoran communities worldwide, often featured in celebrations and special occasions.
Ingredients:
- For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 24 ounces (680g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- For the Caramel Sauce Topping:
- Salvadoran-style caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Method (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust
1. Process Crumbs: Pulse 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs in a food processor until finely ground.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the crumbs with 1/2 cup melted butter and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until evenly coated.
3. Form Crust: Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer.
4. Chill: Refrigerate the pan while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Making the Cream Cheese Filling
1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat 24 ounces (680g) of cream cheese, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth.
2. Add Eggs: Incorporate 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Pour Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
Step 3: Baking the Cheese Cake
1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Bake: Place the springform pan on a baking sheet and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden.
3. Cool Graduall: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 30 minutes to cool gradually. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
Step 4: Adding the Caramel Sauce Topping
1. Remove Pan: Carefully take off the sides of the springform pan.
2. Add Caramel Sauce: Pour Salvadoran-style caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake, letting it drizzle down the sides. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step 5: Chilling and Serving
1. Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Garnish: Before serving, add extra caramel sauce, whipped cream, or fresh fruit if desired.
3. Serve: Slice into wedges and enjoy chilled.
Notes:
- Caramel Sauce: You can use traditional Salvadoran recipes for the caramel sauce or opt for store-bought for convenience.
- Optional Touch: For a traditional flavor, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon over the caramel sauce before chilling.
Nutrition Value:
1. For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- Calories: 850
- Carbohydrates: 130 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Fat: 36 grams
- Sodium: 400 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Minimal amounts of vitamins
- Minerals: Iron, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Graham cracker crumbs provide a source of energy and contribute to the flavor and texture of the crust. They contain some dietary fiber and essential minerals like iron and calcium.
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- Calories: 810
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 91 grams
- Sodium: 5 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 270 milligrams
- Vitamins: Vitamin A
- Minerals: Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Butter adds richness and flavor to the crust and provides vitamin A, which is essential for vision and immune function. It also contains healthy fats that contribute to the texture of the crust.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and energy but lacks essential nutrients and should be consumed in moderation.
2. For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 24 ounces (680g) cream cheese, softened
- Calories: 2,400
- Carbohydrates: 24 grams
- Protein: 28 grams
- Fat: 240 grams
- Sodium: 1,440 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 720 milligrams
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin D
- Minerals: Calcium, Phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Cream cheese provides a creamy texture and rich flavor. It is a source of protein and calcium, which supports bone health, and vitamin A for vision and immune function.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Calories: 800
- Carbohydrates: 200 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds sweetness and energy; however, like other sugars, it should be consumed in moderation due to its lack of essential nutrients.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Calories: 12
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Vanilla extract adds flavor and a hint of antioxidants, though in small amounts, its nutritional impact is minimal.
- 4 large eggs
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 24 grams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Sodium: 280 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 760 milligrams
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12
- Minerals: Iron, Selenium
- Nutritional Benefit: Eggs provide high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, contributing to overall health and muscle maintenance. They are also a good source of healthy fats.
3. For the Caramel Sauce Topping:
- Salvadoran-style caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Calories: Variable, typically around 100-200 per 2 tablespoons
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams per 2 tablespoons
- Protein: 0-1 gram per 2 tablespoons
- Fat: 0-5 grams per 2 tablespoons
- Sodium: 10-50 milligrams per 2 tablespoons
- Cholesterol: 0-10 milligrams per 2 tablespoons
- Vitamins: Minimal amounts of vitamins
- Minerals: Minimal amounts of minerals
- Nutritional Benefit: Caramel sauce adds a rich, sweet flavor and can provide quick energy. It is high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation due to its calorie density and low nutrient density.
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