Traditional Polish Sernik: Creamy Cheesecake Delight
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Ingredients
-
600 grams Cream Cheese
(Use full-fat for best results)
-
150 grams Sugar
(Adjust to taste)
-
4 large Eggs
(Mix room temperature eggs for fluffier texture)
-
2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
(Fresh vanilla gives a better flavor)
-
200 grams Graham cracker crumbs
(Use store-bought or homemade crust)
-
100 grams Unsalted butter
(Melted for crust)
-
1 tablespoon Lemon zest
(Adds freshness to the cheesecake)
(Use full-fat for best results)
(Adjust to taste)
(Mix room temperature eggs for fluffier texture)
(Fresh vanilla gives a better flavor)
(Use store-bought or homemade crust)
(Melted for crust)
(Adds freshness to the cheesecake)
Nutrition
- Servings: 8
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Calcium: 250 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
Instructions
-
1 - Prepare the Crust:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until crumbly. Press into a springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.
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2 - Beat the Cheese Mixture:
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
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3 - Combine and Bake:
Pour cheese mixture into the prepared crust. Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes until set. Turn off oven and let cool with door ajar.
-
4 - Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Garnish with fruit or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until crumbly. Press into a springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
Pour cheese mixture into the prepared crust. Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes until set. Turn off oven and let cool with door ajar.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Garnish with fruit or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
More About: Traditional Polish Sernik: Creamy Cheesecake Delight
Sernik, or Polish cheesecake, is an iconic dessert deeply rooted in Polish culture. Traditionally made with twaróg (a Polish cheese similar to ricotta or quark), modern interpretations often use cream cheese creating a richer flavor. This delightful treat is often enjoyed during holidays, family gatherings, and can be customized with various toppings such as fresh fruits, whipped cream, or chocolate drizzle.
The origin of Sernik traces back to ancient Europe, where cheese curds were mixed with various ingredients to create early versions of cheesecake. As it evolved, different regions of Poland put their unique twist on it; today, you'll find multiple variations from plain to fruity or even chocolate.
Tips for the perfect Sernik include ensuring all your ingredients are at room temperature before getting started, which helps create a smoother consistency when mixing. Baking the ethereal cheesecake in a water bath can also prevent it from cracking as it bakes.
The only downside of this delectable dessert is its long chilling time, but it's essential for firming it up after baking! Enjoying Sernik means indulging in a piece of Polish tradition, one bite at a time.
