What does flour do to cheesecake?
After looking through cheesecake recipes with a co-worker we discovered that many cheesecake recipes include ~1/4 cup of flour while other recipes contain none at all.
What effect does flour have when added to cheesecake? Also, what (in your opinion) is the better way, flour or none?
Best Answer
Flour or starch binds moisture in the cheesecake.
If you use it or not depends on your recipe, the total amount of liquid and the other binding ingredients like eggs.
Using flour can leave an aftertaste, especially if not fully cooked. I recommend using the more neutral starch (corn starch, potato starch) instead.
As a rule of thumb, adding starch or flour can make the cheesecake denser and more solid, leaving it out makes for a softer mouthfeel.
Disclaimer:
I am not saying that you can leave it always out, lest you come back and blame me if your cheesecake doesn't set properly. If you have a recipe that seems quite solid, you could experiment with less or no flour next time, likewise a recipe that is too runny can benefit from a tablespoon or two of starch.
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Quick Answer about "What does flour do to cheesecake?"
A little bit of cornstarch or flour in the cheesecake batter is insurance against cracking and makes the cake easier to cut into clean slices, though it does change the texture of the cheesecake a bit.What happens if you add flour to cheesecake?
When you add cornstarch or flour to cheesecake, the texture becomes firmer and coarser\u2014maybe not ideal for a dessert, but I find it quite appropriate for a savory cheesecake.What happens if you leave the flour out of cheesecake?
Using flour can leave an aftertaste, especially if not fully cooked. I recommend using the more neutral starch (corn starch, potato starch) instead. As a rule of thumb, adding starch or flour can make the cheesecake denser and more solid, leaving it out makes for a softer mouthfeel.Is cheesecake better with or without flour?
Making Better Cheesecake Batter Eating cheesecake is a sensory experience: Texture is everything. Some recipes contain a small amount of starch, such as flour or cornstarch. These cheesecakes have a more cake-like texture. Cheesecake recipes that do not contain flour are luxuriously smooth and dense.Does cheesecake filling have flour in it?
To make the filling: Place the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl with a paddle. Add the sugar and flour, and mix at low speed until there are no lumps. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl at least twice during this process, to be sure no cheese is sticking.Light and Creamy Cheesecake Recipe
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Images: Polina Tankilevitch, Polina Tankilevitch, Pavel Danilyuk, Andrea Piacquadio