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Daring Bakers: One Cheesecake, Two Cheesecakes, Three Cheesecakes….

Cherry Blossom Strawberry Cheese Cake


I giggle everytime I look a the picture above. It’s Daring Bakers time today and my Cherry Blossom Strawberry Cheesecake looks like it is smiling. Maybe it’s just me as I am eating some while typing this and smiling to know there is plenty left in the fridge.

And when I mean plenty, I am not exaggerating! For a household of two people this month challenge just kept on giving and we had no problem with it! We were given a simple cheesecake recipe and let loose with our creativity. If you let me loose in the kitchen on a Daring Baker’s challenge this can happen, or this.

It might look like I did again but really I did contain myself (no snorting Jen). Somewhat…

Daring Bakers Cheesecake Challenge


This recipe was really straightforward and the end result was smooth, creamy and not overly sweet which I really like. I started by making the entire recipe and used half to make 4 individual cheesecakes. Two were Cherry Blossom and Strawberry Lava Cheesecakes and two were Peanut Butter topped with a chocolate ganache. I piped the remaining batter in different cups and jars and played a bit.

I drew my inspiration from Spring since cherry trees are still blooming and used cherry blossom extract that Rachael from La Fuji Mama sent me while she was still in Japan. For the strawberry lava center, I cooked about a cup of fresh strawberries with some sugar, strained it and thickened it on the stove before spooning it in between the cheesecake layers.

Daring Bakers Cheesecake Challenge
For the Peanut Butter ones, I just followed B’s strong desire to have a peanut butter and chocolate dessert. I mixed some of the batter with chunky peanut butter and added a few tablespoons of heavy cream and poured a simple bittersweet chocolate ganache on top with chopped roasted peanuts.

For the remaining batter, I spooned some of the graham cracker crumbs in different jars and topped with some plain cheesecake batter. The others were topped with a quick cranberry compote using frozen cranberries, sugar and lemon zest. And some were baked without crust and topped with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs and chopped pistachios.

Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cheesecake


One year ago: Daring Bakers – Cheesecake Pops.
Two years ago: Outrageous Brownies

The April 2009 challenge is hosted by Jenny from Jenny Bakes. She has chosen Abbey’s Infamous Cheesecake as the challenge.
Abbey’s Infamous Cheesecake:

Helen’s Kitchen Notes: For the cheesecakes baked in individual dessert rings, I lined them with parchment paper and wrapped them around a couple of layers of foil to prevent leaking since they were to be baked in a water bath. Just don’t be shy with the foil or you will have some leakage. I lowered the oven to 275F (convection) and baked them for the same amount of time. I also baked all the jars and cups in a water bath at 275F. The possibilities are endless with such an easy going recipe thus I including the recipe as given by the host and my variations and tips at the end.

crust:
2 cups / 180 g graham cracker crumbs
1 stick / 4 oz butter, melted
2 tbsp. / 24 g sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract

cheesecake:
3 sticks of cream cheese, 8 oz each (total of 24 oz) room temperature
1 cup / 210 g sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup / 8 oz heavy cream
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tbsp. vanilla extract (or the innards of a vanilla bean)
1 tbsp liqueur, optional, but choose what will work well with your cheesecake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (Gas Mark 4 = 180C = Moderate heat). Begin to boil a large pot of water for the water bath.
Mix together the crust ingredients and press into your preferred pan. You can press the crust just into the bottom, or up the sides of the pan too – baker’s choice. Set crust aside.
Combine cream cheese and sugar in the bowl of a stand-mixer (or in a large bowl if using a hand-mixer) and cream together until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Make sure to scrape down the bowl in between each egg. Add heavy cream, vanilla, lemon juice, and alcohol and blend until smooth and creamy.
Pour batter into prepared crust and tap the pan on the counter a few times to bring all air bubbles to the surface. Place pan into a larger pan and pour boiling water into the larger pan until halfway up the side of the cheesecake pan. If cheesecake pan is not airtight, cover bottom securely with foil before adding water.
Bake 45 to 55 minutes, until it is almost done – this can be hard to judge, but you’re looking for the cake to hold together, but still have a lot of jiggle to it in the center. You don’t want it to be completely firm at this stage. Close the oven door, turn the heat off, and let rest in the cooling oven for one hour. This lets the cake finish cooking and cool down gently enough so that it won’t crack on the top. After one hour, remove cheesecake from oven and lift carefully out of water bath. Let it finish cooling on the counter, and then cover and put in the fridge to chill. Once fully chilled, it is ready to serve.

Pan note: The creator of this recipe used to use a springform pan, but no matter how well she wrapped the thing in tin foil, water would always seep in and make the crust soggy. Now she uses one of those 1-use foil "casserole" shaped pans from the grocery store. They’re 8 or 9 inches wide and really deep, and best of all, water-tight. When it comes time to serve, just cut the foil away.

Prep notes: While the actual making of this cheesecake is a minimal time commitment, it does need to bake for almost an hour, cool in the oven for an hour, and chill overnight before it is served. Please plan accordingly!

Variations I used:
For the strawberry lava center: cook down 1 cup of clean strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Strain and cook the syrp until reduced by half. Let cool. Spoon some cake batter over the crumb crust, add some strawberry juice and seal with more batter.

For the peanut butter cheesecake: I added 1/3 cup of peanut butter to 1/4 of the recipe and added 3 tablespoons of heavy cream to make sure the batter would remain smooth.

For the chocolate gananche: I heated up 1/3 cup of heavy cream over medium heat and poured it over 2/3 cup of bittersweet chocolate. Let stand 2 minutes and stir to smooth.

For the cheesecake in souffle cups: I just buttered the cups and baked them without the crust which I sprinkled later on with some chopped pistachios.

For the cranberry topped ones: I poured some crumb crust at the bottom of glass jars, topped with the batter and baked them like that. Once cooled I added the cranberry compote that I made by cooking 2 cups of frozen cranberries with 1/4 cup of sugar, a dash of cinnamon and some lemon juice.


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Comments


Marc @ NoRecipes April 27, 2009 um 5:07 am

Wow! Love all the variations, but I have to say the "smiling" cherry blossom ones are my favourite! I’m intrigued by the cherry blossom extract. Does it have a strong taste?


Lis April 27, 2009 um 5:16 am

Scrumptious! NOM NOM NOM!!

Jealous you were eating one while typing your post. ๐Ÿ˜›

XOXOXOXOXOXO


Audax Artifex April 27, 2009 um 5:21 am

I never have heard of cherry blossom extract I will have to try to get some. I just love the colours you got and the flavours are to die for – one of the best food blogs on the planet. Yours from Australia Audax.


Deeba PAB April 27, 2009 um 5:30 am

Saw this on the DB forum, & so am quite past the fainting stage. But seeing it again leaves me breathless. WOW, Helen…you did it again! Fabulous. You make it sound so easy. Gorgeous pictures as well!! I'm tooooo close to the screen!!


marye April 27, 2009 um 5:37 am

Just gorgeous as always!


Sara April 27, 2009 um 5:41 am

Gorgeous as always! These look so yummy and delicious…love the flavors! The cherry blossom type sounds perfect for spring.


Sugar Daze April 27, 2009 um 5:44 am

As always, beautiful photos. Your two cheesecakes sound oh so good. Do you happen to need a taste tester in your kitchen??? ๐Ÿ™‚


glamah16 April 27, 2009 um 5:52 am

I remeber reading once here before about the Cherry Blossom extract. As ususal , you have crreated beauties.


Mme April 27, 2009 um 5:55 am

You are an inspiration. You always make everything look beautiful and delicious.

I’m impressed by all the variation and presentation.

Lovely!


Dominique April 27, 2009 um 6:02 am

Fabuleuses couleurs! Tes photos mettent toujours autant en appรฉtit. je suis justement ร  la recherche de recettes ร  base de fraises (de Plougastel bien sรปr!). Merci pour celles-ci…


Elyse April 27, 2009 um 6:03 am

Wow! What wonderful creative spin-offs. I’m loving that smiley-face swirl in the first picture. Way to give us some fabulously fruity cheesecake as well as the classic PB-choco combo!!


Irene April 27, 2009 um 6:05 am

Wowza, the peanut butter cheesecake with the chocolate ganache…… Can I live with you? Please? Pretty please??? I have a lot of skills, really, I do! I can… um… do lawyer stuff for you guys… Oh, how I want that cheesecake! ๐Ÿ™‚


rachel April 27, 2009 um 6:05 am

That is a lot of yummy variation..each pretty on their own. I still remember your cheesecake with salted caramel.


nikcreate April 27, 2009 um 6:12 am

Can I have some??? Please….

Oh how I wish I can reach in my monitor and grab a slice of each.

They all look so good!


Cindy Ruth April 27, 2009 um 6:14 am

Beautiful as always! Cherry Blossom extract-sounds interesting. Does it taste like cherries?


Unknown April 27, 2009 um 6:16 am

What amazed me is the huge amount of work you put into this post. Incredible cakes, great photos (some of them even better than great). This is one of the few blog posts I could read again and again and find always something stimulating my cooking or my photography.


Peter G | Souvlaki For The Soul April 27, 2009 um 6:17 am

Helen…I am speechless! Lovely as always!


Memรณria April 27, 2009 um 6:27 am

*sigh* I wish I could create breathtaking pictures like yours. Your cheesecakes look absolutely stunning! Good job on the challenge!


Rosa's Yummy Yums April 27, 2009 um 6:29 am

Your creations always amaze me! Both versions look mouthwatering and extremely beautiful!

Cheers,

Rosa


Jen Yu April 27, 2009 um 6:33 am

Snort?! Who ME?! ๐Ÿ™‚ *snort*! ha ha. It’s amazing you did the challenge considering how much time you spent tweeting this last week! ๐Ÿ™‚ These are gorgeous. You always make everything look like the happiest place on Earth. Great job (I’m sure B enjoyed the effort – more than once!). I bow to you!


Lisa is Bossy April 27, 2009 um 6:44 am

UH-MAZING Helen! I don’t know why I allow myself to be shocked when I peek at your site on reveal date anymore. WONDERFUL job!

And I’ve gotta ask – where did you get those adorable colored cups? I’ve seen them around the blog-o-sphere and just LOVE them!

Give the doggies a pet for me!


Jude April 27, 2009 um 7:03 am

Love the photo of the halved cheesecake with the oozing on the bottom. I think I need to find myself some cherry blossom extract.


Anonymous April 27, 2009 um 7:09 am

Wow! All of your cheesecakes look amazing! I especially love the cherry blossom strawberry one. very creative! I thought this months challenge was a lot of fun, loved it!


morgana April 27, 2009 um 7:30 am

Amazing. You are so creative…


pixie April 27, 2009 um 7:32 am

Always a visual feast that leaves me hankering for an actual bite! Every piece is utterly delectable! It’s pure indulgence just going through your work! Bravo yet again!


Mindy April 27, 2009 um 7:33 am

Wow! Those are amazing! I’m still upset that I had to share my cheesecake with a room full of my husband’s college students. Next time I’m making individual cakes so I can greedily hold some back for myself!


Vera April 27, 2009 um 7:36 am

Wow, Helen! I love them all! Absolutely gorgeous!


Tanya April 27, 2009 um 7:37 am

The chocolate/peanut butter cheesecakes look amazing, but I’m in love with the cherry blossom version. How beautiful and they sound delicious!


MAHIMA April 27, 2009 um 7:39 am

I m in total AWE of you!!!!
u leave me speachhhhlesssssssssss


Vanille April 27, 2009 um 7:42 am

Wow ! A real fest for the eyes ! Love the one with peanut butter and chocolate ganache… Je craque !


Elissa April 27, 2009 um 7:46 am

These are stunning. I was really looking forward to seeing how you completed this challenge and, like always, am blown away. I especially like the first photo of the smiling cherry blossom strawberry cheesecake!


Unknown April 27, 2009 um 7:51 am

i love cheesecake, it’s one of my favourites, and these looks absolutely gorgeous xx


โ€ข friX โ€ข April 27, 2009 um 7:55 am

Your pictures are just too beautiful !


jessicajlee April 27, 2009 um 8:05 am

The pink sugar looks beautiful, Helene!


Katie April 27, 2009 um 8:52 am

Mmm they both look divine. I wouldn’t know which to choose.


Julia @ Mรฉlanger April 27, 2009 um 10:16 am

Every month I think, "wow, Helen has outdone herself", and here I am again thinking the same thing. Absolutely amazing. My visual sensors are always overloaded when visiting your blog. ๐Ÿ™‚


Miette April 27, 2009 um 10:38 am

Wow! Those are beautiful photos. Your two cheesecakes are so scrumptious. Georgeous as usual.

Cheers,

Miette.


Zita April 27, 2009 um 10:51 am

Aww… so pretty in pink, I wish I could fly to Japan right now to get the cherry blossom extract and I wish I could fly to you to eat your cheese cakes ๐Ÿ˜‰


Zita April 27, 2009 um 10:52 am

Aww… so pretty in pink, I wish I could fly to Japan right now to get the cherry blossom extract and I wish I could fly to you to eat your cheese cakes ๐Ÿ˜‰


Christy April 27, 2009 um 10:53 am

The cherry blossom one looks so pretty Helen!! And what’s that pink dust on top of the cheesecake? Oh you make me look so bad with my half-assed effort in putting my cheesecake together!!


Sarah April 27, 2009 um 10:58 am

Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful. The peanut butter cheesecakes sound heavenly. ๐Ÿ™‚

xox Sarah


Laura Rebecca April 27, 2009 um 11:07 am

Beautiful and luscious!


oonsky April 27, 2009 um 11:17 am

could you please adopt me? As always your creations are phenomenal!


Finla April 27, 2009 um 12:04 pm

Beautiful and i totally agree the cake is indeed smiling.


Judy@nofearentertaining April 27, 2009 um 12:04 pm

So very pretty as it smiled right back at me!


mycookinghut April 27, 2009 um 12:08 pm

I have always been wanting to try baking cheesecake!! Yours look soooo delish!


Angela @ A Spoonful of Sugar April 27, 2009 um 12:37 pm

What a fabulous array of cheesecakes, Helen! I love your happy strawberry lava; I’d smile too if I was full of strawberry goodness.

Are the jars you used just regular yoghurt jars? Or are they Pyrex? I have a couple lurking in the cupboard but am feeling a trifle nervous about putting them in the oven.


breadchick April 27, 2009 um 12:38 pm

Lovely as always!


Nic April 27, 2009 um 12:47 pm

If you pass me that cheesecake I’ll wipe the smile off it’s face, in one huge bite, lol!
Beautiful as always!


veron April 27, 2009 um 12:48 pm

wow, I really want to know how that cherry blossom essence is like…sounds divine. Your pics are gorgeous as usual!


Ciao Chow Linda April 27, 2009 um 1:05 pm

I am always so impressed by your fantastic photos – not to mention the delicious cheesecakes. brava.


EatDrinkAndBeCrafty April 27, 2009 um 1:09 pm

Absolutely mouthwatering! I want one for breakfast right now…Where did you get those adorable pink and blue ramekins? I need those!


Andrea Meyers April 27, 2009 um 1:14 pm

Your little cheesecakes are beautiful. I love the strawberry lava cheesecake with the filling dripping out. Yum!


Helene April 27, 2009 um 1:14 pm

Angela: The jars are regular glass jars. You can bake glass in the oven provided it is a water bath and at a fairly low heat (up to 325F for example).

Thank you guys for stopping by!


Anonymous April 27, 2009 um 1:29 pm

Oh my gosh you are amazing! those are postively divine Helen


Chia April 27, 2009 um 1:31 pm

Wow! I love the color of these cheesecakes!! Where can I get those pink and blue cups?


vibi April 27, 2009 um 1:33 pm

Oh! J’adore l’effet rayure que les รฉtages produisent! Surtout avec les diffรฉrents tons de roses… wow.

Comme d’habitude, tout est tellement, tellement joli.

Bravo, Tartelette!


Risa April 27, 2009 um 2:14 pm

These looks absolutely incredible! Can I come over?


Suzana April 27, 2009 um 2:24 pm

All look wonderful, Helen! Couldn’t make up my mind which one is my favourite… Can I have one each? ๐Ÿ˜‰


Simones Kitchen April 27, 2009 um 2:50 pm

Stunning, beautiful and o so tasty looking! Your cheesecakes look amazing Helen and so much better then mine! Now I feel compelled to try and make better ones, but isn’t that what it’s all about? ๐Ÿ™‚


Lori April 27, 2009 um 2:54 pm

Hmmm. I can feel that fudge sauce in my mouth, hold on let me wipe the drool here. Oh okay now then on to that frist picture oh my God. That is just beautiful. I am always so blown out of the water by your creations. I know I am not alone here when I see you are an AMAZING creator and artiste!
Bravo.


Isabelle Lambert April 27, 2009 um 2:57 pm

c’est magnifique Tartelette ! nous avons choisi pratiquement les mรชmes parfums ๐Ÿ™‚


MyKitchenInHalfCups April 27, 2009 um 3:14 pm

Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome.
Always.
What an endless dessert for two. I’d never get tired of that either. But I never get tired of you.


Miss Kate April 27, 2009 um 3:20 pm

Ooh la la! Such tempting little cakes. I always enjoy your photos so much! You seem to have a ball taking them – arranging little clover flowers here, a close-up of the ganache pitcher there. They’re lovely.

I’m especially excited to try the cheesecake with the chocolate-pistachio topping. Mm!


Ash April 27, 2009 um 4:04 pm

I very much like the once covered in chocolate!! yum!!


Sweet Treats by Dani April 27, 2009 um 4:12 pm

that PB cheesecake has my name written allllll over it ๐Ÿ™‚


Nico April 27, 2009 um 4:30 pm

Hi Helen, very nice pictures as always, I like your different variations. I’ll try the peanut butter for some friend’s kids that love peanut butter.


Seanna Lea April 27, 2009 um 4:34 pm

I love cheesecake, and this looks like it is much more friendly with my time than most of the other cheesecakes I’ve made. I’ll have to try this soon!


Alev April 27, 2009 um 4:54 pm

Amazing. These look so delicious. Helen…you did it again..Bravo Bravo


Hannah April 27, 2009 um 5:21 pm

I am just floored by how beautiful both the baked goods and photos are, but I know I should always expect this same quality from you! Really, amazing work Helen, you’re such an inspiration.


Hayley April 27, 2009 um 5:28 pm

You are outstanding! You creativity is never ending. Remind me to think of you when I need a wedding cake!


Philo aux fourneaux – Blog culinaire April 27, 2009 um 5:34 pm

Fruits rouges ou chocolat tes photos sont craquantes !


Carolina Andrade April 27, 2009 um 6:13 pm

Beautiful, jealous!!! kissess


Jamie April 27, 2009 um 6:38 pm

Stunning…absolutely stunning!


Lisa April 27, 2009 um 6:53 pm

Stunning, and I would do anything for a bite of that Cherry Blossom Strawberry Lava cheesecake. Come to think of it, I’ll take ’em all!


anna April 27, 2009 um 6:56 pm

Soooo beautiful. I can’t get over how adorably pink the cherry blossom cakes are.


Unknown April 27, 2009 um 7:07 pm

Holy Moly! You never cease to amaze. Well done!!


Mallory Elise April 27, 2009 um 7:12 pm

oh la la, trop belle, trop belle! le sucre rose, ahk!! ๐Ÿ˜›


Helene April 27, 2009 um 7:15 pm

Cindy Ruth: the extract does not taste like cherries at all. It’s pretty mellow and floral.

Christy: it’s just granulate sugar mixed with some powdered food coloring.

Thanks for stopping guys!


Pattern Patisserie April 27, 2009 um 7:18 pm

I can’t wait for the day when cheesecake can be teleported via computer! Someone really needs to be working on this, or at the very least odourama from the screen….as usual your photos are stunning, recipes divine and I am so interested with the thought of cherry blossom extract…sounds exquisite!!! Enjoy your 'leftovers' in the fridge…Thanks again for all this beauty, Patricia


NKP April 27, 2009 um 7:20 pm

You are the goddess of cheesecakes! What lovely little confections, so creative.


alana April 27, 2009 um 7:25 pm

If there is Daring Baker royalty, you are totally the queen, and in an inspiring, Elizabeth I kind of way. I am proud to be a serf and witness your truly amazing work!


Anonymous April 27, 2009 um 7:33 pm

They all look wonderful! I’ll take one of each.


cindy* April 27, 2009 um 7:38 pm

really helen…wow!


sunita April 27, 2009 um 8:02 pm

Heavenly!!! ๐Ÿ™‚


Rachael Hutchings April 27, 2009 um 8:09 pm

GORGEOUS as usual (not that I’m surprised)! I have loved seeing how you’ve been using the cherry blossom extract!


Olga April 27, 2009 um 8:15 pm

omg, that’s absolutely gorgeous! I’d have a very hard time deciding between the two…ok, I’ll take both ๐Ÿ™‚


Unknown April 27, 2009 um 8:29 pm

As always you’ve outdone yourself, wow! Cherry blossom, what a great idea. ๐Ÿ™‚


Nawal April 27, 2009 um 8:30 pm

Bonjour,
Que de Jolis CheeseCakes !
Mon Dieu un vrai Bonheur comme ร  chaque fois que je viens me titiller l’appรฉtit ici ๐Ÿ™‚

Merci pour la visite et le gentil commentaire chez moi.
Je repars les sens ravis par ces Belles Photos et aussi avec le sourire parce que -Thanks God- moi aussi j’ai 4 mini cheesecakes tous frais d’hier soir qui attendent que je leur fasse leur fรชte au dรฎner (ouf sinon j’aurai baver plus encore aprรจs cette visite gourmande) ๐Ÿ˜‰
A Bientรดt !


Juliana April 27, 2009 um 8:47 pm

Such a pretty cake…


Penny April 27, 2009 um 8:54 pm

Thanks for all the great ideas! I will have to try some of them and hope they turn out as pretty!


Coffee and Vanilla April 27, 2009 um 9:20 pm

Absolutely delicious!!!! I love the photography too ๐Ÿ™‚


Dallas from Bitchin' Lifestyle April 27, 2009 um 10:26 pm

I would love to buy prints of your photos and cover my kitchen with them. I am serious! If you are ever interested in selling your work, please let me know! [email protected]


Unknown April 27, 2009 um 11:13 pm

totally beautifully stunning!!!!


toontz April 27, 2009 um 11:25 pm

Next time, (and there WILL be, unlike some DB challenges, lol) I am going to bake my cheesecake in jars. What a great idea…no water seepage! And you cannot beat the cute factor. You always come up with the best flavor combinations and presentations!


steph- whisk/spoon April 27, 2009 um 11:44 pm

that cheesecake is totally smiling– i would too, if i were so pretty!


Y April 28, 2009 um 12:09 am

Woohoo it’s cheesecake city over at Tartelette’s! I love them all – the colours are so Spring/Summery that you can’t help but smile.


amateurinthekitchen April 28, 2009 um 12:20 am

Your desserts look like a work of art.


Lauren April 28, 2009 um 12:20 am

Mmm, your cheesecakes look amazing!! I love all of your different flavours =D.


Emily April 28, 2009 um 12:33 am

I always end up drooling when I visit your blog… they look amazingly delicious!!!!


Kitchen M April 28, 2009 um 12:45 am

What a crazy coincidence!! I made a cherry blossom cheesecake, too. But instead of extract, I used the actual flower petals.

I love your version of cheesecake! It looks so pretty and absolutely delicious!


Arlette April 28, 2009 um 1:39 am

Awesome cakes and photos…
everything looks amazing…


test it comm April 28, 2009 um 1:55 am

Those cheesecakes look so good! Especially the one with the chocolate running all over it. No wait the one with the strawberries… It’s too hard to decide! Can I just have some of each?


PheMom April 28, 2009 um 2:02 am

They are darling and happy little cheesecakes! I can’t decide which one I like better though, the smiley pink one with the darling little strawberries or that robed chocolate one. Either way they are both just gorgeous!!


Engineer Baker April 28, 2009 um 2:04 am

You call that restraining yourself? *snort* (well, you did only tell Jen not to…) Both of those look absolutely wonderful!


paula April 28, 2009 um 2:12 am

just beautiful and tasty I am sure:)


Leslie April 28, 2009 um 2:17 am

What a wonderful challange, and you delivered BIG TIME!


Anonymous April 28, 2009 um 2:25 am

I love the smiling cheesecake, but I think I might love the idea of a PB/chocolate cheesecake even more. ๐Ÿ™‚ Beautifully done as usual!


Rina April 28, 2009 um 4:48 am

Gorgeous, as always!


Cakebrain April 28, 2009 um 5:21 am

Though all your pics are gorgeous, my favourite is the first one with the smiling cheesecake! It’s so cute and looks delicious!


Anonymous April 28, 2009 um 9:20 am

speechless. they look divine.


Dharm April 28, 2009 um 1:10 pm

As usual you have outdone yourself and your cakes are all simply beautiful!!


A Canadian Foodie April 28, 2009 um 1:23 pm

Dear Helen,
Luscious!Luscious!Luscious!
I want to work with you in your kitchen!
Can you please tell me where you get your pretty little coloured pots. Here you show them in blue and pink. I have also seen them in chocolate brown on your blog, I think. I would love to know where to access them.
Thank you!
Valerie


Dada April 28, 2009 um 4:17 pm

Amazing! I’m dreaming about your cheesecakes…
Merci d’รชtre passรฉe chez moi et pour le gentil commentaire.
Tes posts sont toujours ravissants et gourmands!


Anonymous April 28, 2009 um 7:45 pm

all of these mini desserts are the cutest and most delicate creations. I bet they taste great!


tina April 28, 2009 um 9:32 pm

I love all your creations. They look so good!


How To Eat A Cupcake April 28, 2009 um 9:45 pm

Both are extremely beautiful, as well as mouth watering!!


Anita April 28, 2009 um 10:03 pm

I love the variations you thought up! They are fantastic – esp the peanut butter and chocolate one!!!!


peasepudding April 28, 2009 um 10:39 pm

The cherry blossom cheesecake is to die for, it look gorgeous with the smiling ripple through the middle! I have never see cherry blossom in the shops in NZ, only rose & orange but I might have a search on the net as I can imagine how nice it would be in various desserts. Beautiful photos as always, you're site is very inspirational.


Cakelaw April 29, 2009 um 12:14 am

The cherry blossom and strawberry cheesecake has won my heart – it is just gorgeous – too pretty too eat (but I am sure I could be persuaded ;)).


PAM April 29, 2009 um 1:20 am

Nice job. All your variations are great.


Unknown April 29, 2009 um 2:21 am

Beautifully done, as always. And I really do think that cheesecake was smiling!
-Jenny of JennyBakes


Bonbon Oiseau April 29, 2009 um 3:14 am

helen you truky are a daring baker! and a cute one too…these look DELICIOUS!!!!!


ice tea: sugar high April 29, 2009 um 6:40 am

lost for words.. Everything is just perfect! you’re amazing helen!


Clumbsy Cookie April 29, 2009 um 8:20 am

Helen you’re too funny! And yes, your cheesecake is smiling and so am I now ;)! And you know what? Today in the smile international day (true, just saw it on the news) so this is just perfect, lol!


Jenny April 29, 2009 um 11:21 am

Absolutely amazing – as always! Yours must be the best looking food blog out there, and you always make me want to head straight to the kitchen for some experimentation of my own.


Nikki April 29, 2009 um 11:36 am

Oooooo lookie at that!! look at the lava!


Waniliowa Chmurka April 29, 2009 um 2:15 pm

Wow! It’s amazing!!!!!!!


Cookie baker Lynn April 29, 2009 um 2:56 pm

I love it when you play with your food! Beautiful job on this challenge.


Jenny Tan April 29, 2009 um 3:59 pm

Even though I’m not a big fan of regular cheesecake, this recipe turn out great…but your photos, your cakes makes me wanna dive into the screen — and if I could, I’d probably be swimming in a lot of cheesecake by now…so many yummy cheesecake out there by all the Daring Bakers! ๐Ÿ™‚ Just Beautiful!!


farida April 29, 2009 um 7:14 pm

Your creations looks absolutely stunning. You did an amazing job, as always.


The Short (dis)Order Cook April 29, 2009 um 8:34 pm

They’re all beautiful. The chocolate one is the one I’d normally gravitate to, but that cherry blossom one is so pretty that I just wnat to wear it!

This is why I *heart* the Daring Bakers so much!


Bron April 29, 2009 um 11:42 pm

Mmm there is nothing to say that hasn’t already been said… you’re simply AMAZING Helen and gorgeous to boot! xxx


Anonymous April 30, 2009 um 12:13 am

Smiling? No, no, no! It’s smirking! haha It’s smirking at me because I have none and your kitchen is filled! Lucky you!
big hugs!
xox


Holly April 30, 2009 um 12:56 am

Ooooh, peanut butter! I am so making this version!


raining sheep April 30, 2009 um 2:13 am

Wow, I was just over on Aran’s blog and I feel like I have gained weight just oggling your amazing photos of cheesecakes. I love cheesecake.


Zoe Francois April 30, 2009 um 3:32 am

All of the variations are just lovely! I’d have to slowly make my way through them all. Gorgeous as always!


jb April 30, 2009 um 6:35 am

These are the most adorable little cheesecakes I’ve ever seen!


Anne Marie April 30, 2009 um 10:15 am

That would have gone delightfully with my morning coffee –

I just had a great time looking around your space-
awesome photography of food…


Jenny April 30, 2009 um 10:51 am

I knew I’d see something lovely here, sorry I’m late getting here though. I love the jars, need to get me some jars!


Ria Mathew April 30, 2009 um 12:15 pm

Can I kidnap you????????? ๐Ÿ˜‰ My god!! you r just tooooo good!!!!Keep it up!!!


Mumsy April 30, 2009 um 3:29 pm

I have nothing to add. It’s all been said in the above comments.

WOW.


Contessa Kris April 30, 2009 um 3:42 pm

Oh my stars! I just want to melt into this post and sample all the lovely creations! Yum!


Unknown April 30, 2009 um 9:39 pm

Can someone tell me what a water bath is? i want to try the ones in the cup and she said she used a water bath?


Hayley April 30, 2009 um 10:55 pm

I loooove cheesecake any way! And yours are absolutely gorgeous. I love the smiling one…just how I feel before eating dessert ๐Ÿ™‚


Lily April 30, 2009 um 11:34 pm

Beautiful pictures and it looks delicious! The chocolate sauce looks fabulous, as do the little cups with the graham cracker crust on top! WOW! You really outdid yourself!


Helene May 1, 2009 um 12:09 am

tiara_mh: Hi, this is "she" here. A water bath means that you set your pan in a larger roasting pan and pour water half way or whatever the recipe states up the side of your cake pan.
Good luck. Helen.


Char May 1, 2009 um 1:10 am

gorgeous!!! I’m so ravenous after seeing these beautiful offerings


Christine Hwang May 1, 2009 um 2:00 am

I love the glass bottles.
Where did you get them? and do you know where to get milk bottles (just the bottle)? I saw it in the second picture.

your food is gorgeous!


Helene May 1, 2009 um 2:29 am

Christine: the milk bottle is actually a single bud vase that I got at Wall-Mart. The glass jars are French yogurt jars that my dad ate for me and brought with him on his last visit.


La Cuisine d'Helene May 1, 2009 um 2:50 am

You always take these challenges to the next level. I’m so glad that you are sharing your passion with us. Love everything you do.


evil & demented little cooker girl May 1, 2009 um 3:54 pm

i love love love this entry! i love love cheesecakes!!!! and i love this blog!!!
๐Ÿ™‚


pigpigscorner May 3, 2009 um 10:58 am

Oh my, they look gorgeous! The cherry blossom extract sounds interesting. Wonder how it tastes like.


suesse-mahlzeit May 6, 2009 um 1:46 pm

Looks soo cute and yummy!


ann low May 8, 2009 um 9:40 am

Wow! I love this post and I love cheesecakes!


Dazy May 30, 2009 um 10:23 am

This is something new to me. Delicious looking and delicious tasting and quite simple to make! I’ve never made this before with some other variations. These were pure delight and I’m sure to make them again.


Mikabella June 11, 2009 um 5:41 pm

U are amazing! So so talented..I am eating with my eyes and I am truly in love with your site. Thanks! Waving from Sweden.


Elsa September 24, 2009 um 1:43 am

These look amazing! I was wondering though, where do you find the small glass jars that the cheesecake can be baked in?


Anonymous April 30, 2010 um 2:56 am

I was just wondering can you use any jar or are there special jars that you have to use.


Helene May 7, 2010 um 7:06 am

Anonymous: these are just plain glass jars. Whatever you use, just make sure to use plenty of water in your water bath.


shine little light* December 1, 2010 um 3:18 am

These look fantastic! I was wondering if you make mini ones do they need less baking time? *s*


Cynthia Lee May 7, 2011 um 6:14 pm

I think these are beautiful little individual cheesecakes I just have one question. Do you cook them in little springform pans??


buy rift account June 29, 2011 um 2:28 am

WoW! that is absolutely delicious..im craving for it.=)


Tynetta C June 22, 2012 um 6:06 pm

How many servings of individual cheesecakes will the original recipe make?


Anonymous July 8, 2012 um 4:44 pm

I tried this recipe a while back for a special birthday. And although I'm not particularly enthusiastic about cheesecake,this one was really something. ๐Ÿ™‚ kept me going back for more. it was really wonderful and everyone loved it. thank you for sharing ๐Ÿ™‚


karen s. February 14, 2013 um 6:56 pm

Helene – I'm so thankful that I found your recipe/blog…and just in time for Valentine's Day. ๐Ÿ™‚ I made one large peanut butter cheesecake with the ganache(for my coworkers) and a smaller one to share with my fiance tonight. I'm looking forward to devouring!


Tya Lynn January 26, 2014 um 8:43 pm

I tried to find these on the site but the link didn't go to anythingbut I blank page on their site. Do you know what the cups were called? these are the cups that your main picture was baked in correct?


Tya Lynn January 26, 2014 um 8:46 pm

I tried to find these but the link just goes to a blank page on their site. Do you know what the cups were called? these are the cups you baked the main picture ones in, correct?


Tya Lynn January 26, 2014 um 8:48 pm

Or if they aren't available, do you know where to find similar straight sided jars like them?


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