National Cheesecake Day

Elegant cheesecake slice with strawberry topping, on a vintage dessert plate, surrounded by floral decorations and a retro kitchen backdrop.. — National cheesecake day illustration

Anyone with a sweet tooth knows that every day is a good day for cheesecake. But did you know there’s a day especially dedicated to this cream cheese wonder - National Cheesecake Day! Let's embark on a journey to explore the internet history of this gratifying day.

When is Cheesecake Day?

It's national cheesecake day on the 30th July.

A Delicious History

The internet records for National Cheesecake Day show a significant claim on 30th July 2018, where it was mentioned 23,035 times, suggesting a cheesecake frenzy! However, the exact origin of this day, like cheesecake itself, is somewhat hard to pin down. Some food historians believe the sweet toothed Romans may have chewed the first slice of cheesecake, while others argue it was the ancient Greeks. The internet history of cheesecake day, however, is less contested. It seems to have become popular in the late 2000s as food bloggers and social media influencers sought days dedicated to their favorite foods.

We All Love Cheesecake!

Who wouldn't? From traditional New York style cheesecakes to creative variations like green tea cheesecake, there is surely a kind that would steal anyone’s heart. And perhaps that's why this day enjoys such vast popularity. It's not just a celebration of cheesecake, but a testament to our love for desserts — they comfort us, they bring us together, and sometimes, they even make us feel a little luxurious!

Celebrate Virtually

While some us might fancy a trip to The Cheesecake Factory, others prefer homemade treats. The beauty of National Cheesecake Day is that everyone can participate, even remotely. People took to social media platforms in droves, bearing photos of their cheesecake creations or their favorite cheesecake locales, leading to that impressive number of mentions back in July 2018.

History behind the term 'Cheesecake'

776 BC

Ancient Olympic delicacy

Cheesecake is believed to have originated in ancient Greece. The earliest record of cheesecake dates back to the 8th century BC during the first Olympic Games held in 776 BC. The Greek athlete's diet included a simple mixture of cheese, wheat, and honey, which is believed to be the precursor of modern cheesecake.

5th century BC

Cheesecakes spread across Europe

As the Greek Empire expanded, so did the popularity of cheesecake. The Romans, who heavily borrowed from Greek culture, adopted the cheesecake recipe and spread it throughout Europe. Rome became a major hub for cheesecake development, with various regional variations emerging.

1390 AD

First written cheesecake recipe

The earliest known written cheesecake recipe can be found in a 1390 English cookbook called 'The Forme of Cury.' This manuscript recorded a recipe called 'cheesecakes' that used ingredients such as cheese, sugar, and eggs. It marked the beginning of documented cheesecake recipes and showcased their growing popularity in England.

18th century

American versions emerge

Cheesecake continued to evolve in America during the 18th century. The predominant types of cheesecakes in America during this time were made with a pastry crust and filled with a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. This style laid the foundation for the classic New York-style cheesecake we know today.

1872

Cream cheese becomes key

In 1872, a dairyman named William Lawrence accidentally created the first cream cheese while trying to replicate Neufchâtel cheese. This newly invented cream cheese had a higher fat content and a creamier texture, making it the ideal ingredient for cheesecake recipes. It became a staple ingredient in American cheesecake recipes.

1940s

Post-World War II popularity

After World War II, cheesecake gained massive popularity in the United States. Soldiers who had been stationed in Europe during the war returned home with a newfound love for the European style cheesecake. This increased demand fueled the rise of bakeries specializing in cheesecakes, leading to its mainstream appeal.

Did you know?

Did you know that cheesecake was served to athletes during the first Olympic games to give them energy? And look at us now, eating cheescake in our comfy lounge pants while binging our favorite shows!