The designation stems from the fundamental composition of the dessert. The primary ingredient, and indeed the defining characteristic, is cheese. Typically, this involves soft cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, or quark, which contribute significantly to the dessert’s texture and flavor profile. These cheeses are blended with other components such as sugar, eggs, and flavorings to create the final baked or unbaked product.
The historical origins of this dessert provide context for the nomenclature. Recipes incorporating cheese as a central element date back to ancient Greece. While the modern iteration has evolved considerably, the foundational use of cheese as a key ingredient has remained consistent. This historical connection solidifies the continued application of the name, reflecting its essential nature within the recipe’s development across different cultures and time periods.
