Why is cheesecake called when it has no cheese in it?

This is a common misconception! Cheesecake does contain cheese, it's just not the kind of cheese you might expect.

Traditional cheesecake is made with cream cheese, which is a fresh, spreadable cheese. It's the key ingredient that gives cheesecake its creamy texture and tangy flavor.

The name "cheesecake" might be a bit misleading, but it's been around for centuries, predating the modern understanding of "cheese" as a distinct category. It likely comes from the fact that early versions of cheesecake were made with a type of cheese that was more similar to a fresh curd or ricotta.

So, while cheesecake doesn't contain cheddar, mozzarella, or other hard cheeses, it definitely has cheese in it!