Ep 4. Say Cheesecake

Zoe Bakes season 2 episode 4 titled "Say Cheesecake" is a delicious episode filled with every cheesecake lover's dream. In this episode, Zoe Francois takes on the challenging yet rewarding task of creating different types of cheesecakes. The episode begins with giving insights into the history of cheesecakes and how it has become a favorite dessert worldwide. Zoe then starts by making a classic New York-style cheesecake but not without putting her spin on it.

Zoe shares her tips and tricks for making the perfect cheesecake, emphasizing the value of patience and attention to detail. Zoe’s process for making the cheesecake starts with mixing the graham cracker crust, blending the filling to avoid air pockets, and baking the cheesecake to get that perfectly cooked texture. She also shares her technique for making a water bath, which keeps the cheesecake from cracking, and how to test for doneness.

The next type of cheesecake Zoe makes, is a Japanese-style cheesecake that is light and fluffy yet rich in flavor. She explains the differences between the Japanese-style which uses very little cream cheese, and the New York-style cheesecake which uses a lot more. She takes us through the tedious process of whipping the egg whites separately and then folding it into the cream cheese batter. Zoe also shares her love of adding citrus, and she adds lemon zest to the batter for an added pop of freshness.

In the final part of the episode, Zoe whips up a no-bake cheesecake that is not only indulgent but also easy to make. She makes a quick crust using any crispy cookie (in this case, she uses shortbread cookie). Zoe also shares tricks to prevent the cheesecake from being too dense or heavy, like using whipped cream and making sure to fold everything together gently. She also gets creative with flavors by adding chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. The final product is a beautiful dessert that can be made quickly and yet impress guests.

Throughout the episode, Zoe shares a lot of valuable information, from choosing the right ingredients to the importance of proper techniques. She emphasizes the need to take one's time and not rush the process and provides great tips for making the perfect cheesecake. Zoe Bakes season 2 episode 4, Say Cheesecake, is a mouthwatering, educational episode that gives viewers the inspiration to get creative and try different ways to make the perfect cheesecake.