On July 30th each year, we celebrate a delicious holiday known as National Cheesecake Day. It’s a day specifically set aside to enjoy the delightful creaminess of cheesecake in its many forms - from the traditional New York style to varieties that incorporate rich chocolate or tangy fruit like raspberry and strawberry.
National Cheesecake Day is marked with much enthusiasm, often involving exclusive offers from numerous bakeries and restaurants, not to mention plenty of homemade treats shared amongst friends and family.
History of National Cheesecake Day
Celebrated every year on July 30th, National Cheesecake Day is a beloved annual tradition in the U.S. While the origins of this delightful observance remain somewhat of a mystery, the holiday is treasured by many for the joy and indulgence it brings.
The rich heritage of the cheesecake itself can be traced back to the time of ancient Greece. It is said that an early variety of the dessert was presented to the athletes competing in the inaugural Olympic Games in 776 B.C. to fuel their endurance. The decadent treat subsequently made its journey to Europe, before landing in the U.S. where its popularity skyrocketed.
In the multitude of years that followed, an impressive array of cheesecakes emerged, each with its unique flavor profiles and preparation techniques. The most revered among these varieties is arguably the New York-style cheesecake, famous for its luxurious, velvety texture, a characteristic brought about the inclusion of additional egg yolks in the cream cheese mixture.
In spite of the uncertain beginnings of National Cheesecake Day, the event has undoubtedly garnered mass appeal. With its growing popularity advanced by the universal liking for cheesecakes, the holiday has become an annual extravaganza. Eateries and cheesecake manufacturers, such as The Cheesecake Factory, utilize this occasion to roll out irresistible offers and launch new flavors, adding to nation-wide fondness for this day.
National Cheesecake Day Timeline
Cheesecake is Made Historically
Cheesecake is known to have been made in ancient times, even dating back to the first Olympic Games where it was used as an athlete's meal
Roman Adoption
Roman Empire embraced the recipe and spread their version of cheesecake throughout Europe.
First Recipe Book
The first cookbook ever printed that contained a cheesecake recipe is called 'A Proper new Booke of Cokery' in England.
Start of Cream Cheese
American dairyman William Lawrence created cream cheese in the 1880s, providing the rich, creamy texture we love in many cheesecakes today.
Worldwide Popularity
Cheesecake continues to be a dessert of choice worldwide with many regional variations and countless flavors.
Ideas to Celebrate National Cheesecake Day
Cheesecake Baking Contest
Invite your friends or family over for a cheesecake baking competition. Decide on the rules, the type of cheesecake to bake, and crown someone the 'Cheesecake Master' once everyone's tasted a slice of each cake. It’s a fun way to see the creative side of everyone!
Visit a Cheesecake Factory
Experience a whole array of cheesecakes by visiting your local cheesecake shop or factory. Some places have special offers on National Cheesecake Day, you're bound to find a new favorite! Plus, these places often offer tours to show how they make their delicious creations.
Cheese and Cake Pairing Event
Host a cheese and cake pairing event. Different types of cheeses can be paired with different flavors of cheesecake. Use a variety of cheeses and cheesecakes to make the pairing more interesting and educational.
Cheesecake Photo Shoot
Dress up in your favorite kitchen attire, bake some cheesecakes, and have fun with a themed photo-shoot. Capture all the hard work and artistry that goes into making delicious cheesecakes.
Outdoor Cheesecake Picnic
Pack a picnic with your favorite cheesecake and enjoy the treat under the sun. It can be a simple, relaxed way to honor the day with your loved ones.
8 Interesting Facts About Cheesecake
Ancient Origins
Cheesecake can be traced back to ancient Greece and was even served to athletes at the first Olympic games in 776 B.C.
Variety of Flavours
Cheesecake can be made in a multitude of flavors, such as strawberry, key lime, chocolate, or caramel.
New York Style
New York-style cheesecake uses cream cheese for a richer and denser cake, while Greek-style uses yoghurt cheese for a lighter taste.
Long Baking Process
Cheesecakes usually need to bake for over an hour and then chill from anywhere between a few hours to overnight.
Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is a popular American restaurant chain that initially started their business to make and sell cheesecakes.
Diverse Cheese Options
Different types of cheeses can be used to make cheesecake including cream cheese, Neufchatel, cottage cheese and ricotta.
World Record Cheesecake
The largest cheesecake ever made weighed 4,240 kg (9,347.60 lb) and was created by Cheeseberry Company in Stavropol, Russian Federation in 2017.
Popular Dessert
Cheesecake is one of the most popular desserts in the United States, around 1/3 of the population stated that it's one of their top three favorite desserts.
National Cheesecake Day FAQs
Next National Cheesecake Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 30th | Sunday |
| 2024 | July 30th | Tuesday |
| 2025 | July 30th | Wednesday |
| 2026 | July 30th | Thursday |
| 2027 | July 30th | Friday |
| What is the pattern? | Every July 30th | |
National Cheesecake Day Word Search
- Cheesecake
- Dessert
- Baking
- Sweet
- Flavors
- Recipe