Handwritten recipe for Zwieback Cheesecake
by: salvagedrecipes

Zwieback Cheesecake

Zwieback Cheesecake
Zwieback Cheesecake is a vintage German-inspired dessert that blends the light, crisp texture of crushed zwieback biscuits with a rich, creamy cheese filling. The recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients like milk, lemon, cinnamon, and dried currants, creating a perfectly balanced cheesecake with subtle warmth and tanginess. Unlike traditional graham cracker crust cheesecakes, this old-fashioned version has a tender, buttery base and a fragrant, spiced filling that feels both nostalgic and unique.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine German
Servings 12
Calories 315 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

  • 1 lb zwieback biscuits (finely ground)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp grated lemon peel

For the Filling:

  • 2 cups cottage cheese ( or soft farmer’s cheese)
  • 2 egg yolks
  • ½ cup dried currants
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 egg whites (beaten)
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  • Grind zwieback biscuits into fine crumbs.
  • Melt butter and combine with crumbs, milk, lemon juice, and grated lemon peel.
  • Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  • Press mixture firmly into a buttered springform pan to form the base.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

  • In a large bowl, beat the cheese until smooth.
  • Add egg yolks, currants, cinnamon, sugar, beaten egg whites, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  • Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together; fold into the cheese mixture.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

  • Pour the cheese mixture evenly over the zwieback crust.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Step 4: Chill & Serve

  • Allow cheesecake to cool completely.
  • Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.

Tips

  • Replace dried currants with raisins or chopped dried cherries for a twist.
  • Swap cottage cheese for cream cheese for a richer, smoother texture.
  • Add a dash of nutmeg or clove for deeper holiday spice flavor.
  • Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a German-inspired flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 9gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 190mgPotassium: 140mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 340IUVitamin C: 1.2mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, german dessert, holiday baking, old-fashioned sweets, vintage recipes, zwieback
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