Introduction :

Cream Cheese Pie is one of the most beloved desserts in Latin American cuisine, especially in Mexico. Its soft and creamy texture, combined with a crunchy cookie base, makes it a favorite for any occasion. Unlike traditional American cheesecake, which is usually baked in a bain-marie, this pie is simpler to make and very easy to prepare at home, even without prior experience.

Cream Cheese Pie , also known as cheesecake , is one of the most popular and versatile desserts in existence. Its soft and creamy texture, combined with a crunchy cookie base, makes it an irresistible delight. In Mexico, this pie has been adapted with traditional ingredients such as Maria cookies , widely used in homemade baking, and with products like condensed milk and evaporated milk , which provide a characteristic sweetness and flavor.

This dessert is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It’s perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or simply to enjoy at home as a sweet treat. Thanks to its popularity, cheesecake is now available in many variations: with fruit, jam, chocolate, or even without a bake.

The classic cream cheese version is beloved for its sweet and sour balance, its smoothness on the palate, and the ability to combine it with many decorative ingredients such as fresh fruit, creams, or sauces.

 History of Cream Cheese Pie

Cream Cheese Pie , also known as cheesecake , has a history dating back to ancient Greece, where cheesecakes were prepared to be offered to athletes at the Olympic Games. However, cheesecake as we know it today was primarily developed in the United States in the late 19th century, when cream cheese began to be industrially produced , thanks to the Philadelphia brand .

This product revolutionized the world of baking with its soft texture and versatility, making it the main ingredient in a new generation of desserts. Over time, this recipe has traveled and been adapted to different parts of the world. In Latin America , especially Mexico , cheesecake has been reinterpreted according to local tastes and resources.

One of the most popular adaptations is the Cream Cheese Pie with a Maria cracker base , a very Mexican twist. Maria crackers, originally from Europe but very popular in Mexico since the 20th century, provide a light, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the creamy filling. In addition, the use of condensed milk and evaporated milk—key ingredients in many Mexican recipes—gives it a unique and very homemade flavor.

This dessert quickly gained a place on Mexican tables for its ease of preparation, low cost, and excellent flavor . It’s commonly found at family gatherings, birthday parties, holidays, and even as a product sold in home bakeries.

Today, cream cheese pie is a fusion of foreign tradition and Mexican creativity , representing how cuisine can evolve by blending cultures and ingredients.

 Ingredients:

For the base:

  • 2 tubes of crushed Maria cookies
  • 180g unsalted butter (soft)

For the filling:

  • 1 bar of cream cheese (190 g)
  • 1 can of evaporated milk
  • 1 can of condensed milk
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence

 Preparation Mode:

  1. Prepare the base: Crush the Maria cookies until they have a sandy texture. Mix them with the butter until you have a smooth paste.
  2. Form the crust: Place the mixture into pie tins (makes approximately two 24cm tins), pressing down with a spoon to firmly compact the crust. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the filling: In a blender, combine the evaporated milk, condensed milk, eggs, vanilla, and cream cheese. Blend until completely combined and smooth.
  4. Pour and bake: Pour the batter onto the prepared crusts. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  5. Rest and serve: Let it cool completely before refrigerating. You can decorate it with fresh fruit, jam, or simply enjoy it as is.

 Questions to reflect on:

  • Did you know that this dessert is a variation on the traditional cheesecake?
  • How would the flavor change if we added a little lemon zest or a touch of cinnamon?
  • What ingredients could you substitute if you are lactose intolerant?

 Other Interesting Information:

  • This dessert has roots in the American influence of cheesecake, but with a Mexican touch thanks to the use of Maria cookies.
  • It is very popular at family gatherings, parties and celebrations such as Mother’s Day or birthdays.
  • It can also be prepared in individual molds, ideal for selling or giving as a gift.

 Questions and Other Relevant Information

  1. What type of cheese is used in cream cheese pie? → Philadelphia cream cheese
    is primarily used , although generic or homemade cream cheese can also be used.
  2. Can it be made without an oven? → Yes, there are no-bake cheesecake
    recipes using unflavored gelatin or curds, but this specific recipe requires baking.
  3. How long should it be baked?
    → Usually between 45 and 60 minutes at 180°C , or until the center is firm but slightly jiggly.
  4. How long should it cool?
    → It’s recommended to let it cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for at least 4 hours , preferably overnight for better consistency.
  5. What can you decorate it with?
    → You can decorate it with fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, or with jam , melted chocolate , or whipped cream .
  6. Can it be frozen?
    → Yes, it can be frozen for up to 2 months , as long as it is well wrapped and stored in an airtight container.

Texture and Flavor

  • Texture:
    • Soft, creamy and slightly dense in the filling, with a texture that melts in the mouth.
    • The base, usually made of crushed crackers (such as Maria or graham), is crunchy and sandy , contrasting perfectly with the softness of the filling.
    • It can have a top layer of jam, fresh fruit or icing , which adds another texture.
  • Flavor:
    • Rich and slightly acidic due to the cream cheese.
    • Sweet without being cloying, with notes of vanilla, lemon or cinnamon .
    • The biscuit base provides a toasted, sweet flavor that complements the filling.

Consumer Context

  • Ideal as a dessert for celebrations, family gatherings, parties or special dinners .
  • Very popular at birthdays, weddings and cafes .
  • It can also be enjoyed individually as mini pies or tartlets for events.

Visual Aspect

  • Ivory or creamy white filling , with a firm, golden base.
  • It can be decorated with red fruits, berry coulis, caramel, chocolate or strawberry jam .
  • The cut is clean and seductive, with well-defined layers.

Curiosities

  • Although many people associate it with the US, cheesecake has European roots (ancient Greece and Rome) .
  • The modern cheesecake originated in New York, but each country has its own version (e.g. with ricotta in Italy, with condensed milk in Mexico).
  • In Mexico, it is common to find it unbaked and prepared with gelatin and condensed milk, especially in warm climates.
  • Cream cheese (like Philadelphia) was invented in the 19th century and became the star ingredient in cheesecake.

Estimated Nutritional Value (per 120–150 g serving)

(Varies depending on exact ingredients)

  • Calories: 350 – 500 kcal
  • Fats: 25 – 35 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 – 40 g
  • Sugars: 20 – 30 g
  • Protein: 6 – 9 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 – 2 g (if it has a whole grain base or fruits)
  • Calcium and phosphorus: present in cheese
  • Sodium: Moderate (due to cream cheese and cookie base)

Other Interesting Information

  • You can make light versions using low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or natural sweeteners like stevia or honey.
  • It supports many variations: chocolate, passion fruit, lemon, Nutella, Oreo, matcha, coffee, etc.
  • If you bake it, it is important to let it cool gradually to prevent cracking .
  • It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3–5 days, and can even be frozen.

 Conclusion :

Cream Cheese Pie is more than just a dessert: it’s a tradition passed down in family kitchens and always wins over palates. Its combination of simple ingredients and spectacular results makes it a must-try. Whether you enjoy it alone, with friends, or with family, this pie represents that perfect balance between creamy and crunchy, sweet and comforting. A delicacy that always wins!

Cream Cheese Pie is much more than a simple dessert: it’s a recipe that has traveled the world and been reinvented in every culture. In Mexico, its adaptation reflects culinary ingenuity and the use of everyday ingredients to achieve extraordinary flavors.

This is an ideal recipe for those new to baking, as it combines easy-to-find ingredients with an accessible process and spectacular results. Its versatility makes it a dessert that can be served at both formal celebrations and simple everyday moments.

Whether baked or chilled, plain or decorated, cream cheese pie will remain a favorite for generations, uniting tradition, flavor, and creativity in every bite.