Our easy Oreo cherry cheesecake recipe is a delicious and colourful representative of a type of cake that actually comes in many forms. Most people think of cheesecake as a silk-smooth, cream cheese upper layer on a crusty crushed biscuit base, but in reality, there are many permutations and combinations possible, e.g. no bake, vegan, Ricotta, classic, New York, Swedish, Chicago, etc.
Before we get to the recipe, and to provide some context, we would like to answer the 5 most common questions people ask about cheesecake.
Is cheesecake actually a cake?
Despite it having the word cake in its name, there is disagreement on how it should be classified. The four most common suggestions include a type of custard pie, a torte, a tart or a flan.
Is cheesecake healthier than cake?
Compared to some types of chocolate cake, cheesecake has fewer calories, lower sugar content but higher levels of protein and calcium. However, compared to some other cakes, it is higher in saturated fats and calories. The takeaway is that cake should be considered a treat and, like most foods, the key is to eat a balanced diet and everything in moderation.
What is the most popular type of cheesecake?
The rich, dense New York-style cheesecake is usually voted 1st position for the most popular cake, certainly in the US. It is sometimes referred to as Jewish cake, given its roots can be traced back to Jewish immigrants that arrived from Eastern Europe.
Is Philadelphia cheese the same as cream cheese?
There are many brands that produce commercial cream cheese, and Philadelphia is the most popular one worldwide. Cream cheeses are a young variety of soft cheese. Brands use slightly different ingredients and levels of milk fat. The brand Philadelphia has existed since 1880.
Is cheesecake baked or not?
It depends on the type of cheesecake. In general, baked cheesecakes use eggs to set them and have a dense, heavier texture. By contrast, the setting agent in unbaked cheesecakes is gelatine, and these have a lighter and fluffy texture.
Easy Oreo Cherry Cheesecake Recipe
EQUIPMENT
Baking parchment
Either a 9-inch (22.5cm) square cake tin or 10-inch (25cm) round cake tin
Mixing bowls – One small and one large
Spoon
Fork
Electric mixer on low speed
Spatula or knife
BAKING TIME
Preheat oven to 163C (325F or Gas Mark 3)
Bake for around 40 minutes
INGREDIENTS
Oreo biscuits – 20x crushed fine
Butter – 3 tablespoons
Cream cheese – 566g (20 oz)
Flour – 3 tablespoons
Sugar – 1 cup
Vanilla – 1 tablespoon
Eggs – 4 medium or 3 large
Cherry pie filling – 566g (20 oz)
METHOD
1) Line baking tin with baking parchment. Allow the parchment to come above the baking tin sides. This will help removal of the cake at the end.
2) Add crushed Oreo biscuits and butter to a small bowl and mix well.
3) Use Oreo mixture to create a crust layer at the bottom of the baking tin. Firm down with the back of a spoon.
4) Add cream cheese to large bowl and soften it with fork.
5) Add flour, sugar, vanilla and eggs to the cream cheese and blend with the electric mixer at low speed. Aim to achieve a creamy consistency.
6) Pour the cream cheese mix over the Oreo crust. Level with a spatula or knife.
7) Put cake tin in the oven and bake for around 40 minutes.
8) Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature.
9) Place the cake tin in a refrigerator for at least 4 hours to allow the cake to set.
10) Remove cake tin from fridge and top the cheesecake with the cherry pie filling.
11) Use the baking parchment to help lift the cake out of the cake tin.
Summary
We hope you enjoyed our easy Oreo cherry cheesecake recipe. Not only is it really delicious, but the contrast in colour is stunning. The tart blood red cherry sauce perfectly compliments both the silky smooth, cream cheese central layer that sits on the dark, crumbly Oreo biscuit base. This is a treat that, when served to family or friends, will make their mouths water and eyes pop in anticipation.
