Just in time for July 4th menu planning, we received this recipe Chef Tom Fraker of Melissa’s Produce.

While the broad concept of “cheesecake” is not an American invention, the modern cream cheese cheesecake is. Cream cheese was invented in New York State in 1872.

So: this cheesecake is an all-American dessert.

(Here’s a more elaborate history of cheesecake).

We can’t think of anything we like better than cheesecake. And it even tastes great frozen! Don’t believe us? Make a Cheesecake Hot Fudge Sundae with a base of frozen cheesecake. Ice cream is optional.Beyo

Beyond July 4th, there are more than 30 cheesecake recipes below, including other holidays and savory cheesecakes.

> July 30th is National Cheesecake Day.
 
 
RECIPE: JULY 4TH CHEESECAKE

Prep time is 12-14 minutes, bake time is 65-75 minutes.
 
Ingredients

 
For The Garnish

[1] We’re celebrating July 4th with this red, white and blue cheesecake (photo © Melissa’s Produce).

[2] Get festive with sparklers (photo © Driscoll’s).

1. PREHEAT the oven to 325°F. Make the crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons of sugar and the melted butter. Press the mixture into a tart or pie pan.

2. ADD the cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar and the vanilla extract to the bowl of a standing mixer.

3. SPLIT the vanilla beans in half lengthwise, and scrape the pulp into the bowl. Blend until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, allowing them to completely incorporate before adding the next egg.

4. POUR the mixture into the tart tin and smooth the top. Bake in the oven for 60-75 minutes, or until completely set.

5. REMOVE the cheesecake from the oven, let cool, and then chill for at least 4 hours.

6. GARNISH: Run a row of the blueberries around the outside edge and then fill the center with alternating rows of the strawberries and bananas.

 
MORE CHEESECAKE RECIPES

 
 
HOLIDAY & SPECIAL-OCCASION CHEESECAKES

 
 
SAVORY CHEESECAKES

These are wonderful as an appetizer/first course.

 
 
FROZEN CHEESECAKE