Creamy and satisfying, cheesecake is beloved around the world. It also has quite an interesting history, with roots stemming back to ancient times. Learn about the origins of cheesecake to give you a new appreciation for the dessert when you stop at your favorite cafe for a slice.

Origins in Ancient Greece

Some historians claim cheesecake originated in 2000 B.C. on the Greek island of Samos. There, mold believed to have been used for baking cheesecakes was discovered. The first cheesecakes were made with a few simple ingredients: cheese, honey, wheat, and flour.

Cheesecakes were provided to athletes before the first Olympic games to boost energy and performance. They were also a popular dish at weddings and may have started the tradition of wedding cakes. After conquering Greece, Romans discovered the cheesecake, which they adopted by adding eggs and baking it—the Greek version was served cool. From here, this recipe made its way throughout the rest of Europe.

Modern Day Cheesecakes

The cheesecakes found in cafes all over the world today are a far cry from the ancient version. The modern New York cheesecake was quite popular during the 1900s, when it was made with eggs, sugar, cream, and cream cheese. While most restaurants at the time preferred cottage cheese, the Turf Restaurant claimed to have invented the first recipe using cream cheese exclusively.

These days, cheesecake recipes are as diverse as the cafes that serve them. Some are prepared plain while others are adorned with berries and other fruits. Some cheesecakes even include chocolate and caramel, which makes for a much richer, sweeter dessert.

When you’re craving a cheesecake, Ted's Bakery in Haleiwa, HI, has just what you need. This family-owned and -operated bakery and cafe offers a wide range of delicious sweets, including cakes, pies, scones, muffins, brownies, and cookies. They also provide a menu of hot dishes like burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast items. Check out their listing of cakes and pies online, and call (808) 638-8207 to place an order today.