Can you make cheesecake with soft cheese?

You can make cheesecake with soft cheese, but it's not the traditional method. Here's why:

* Traditional cheesecake relies on cream cheese which is a firm, spreadable cheese that holds its shape well when baked.

* Soft cheeses like brie, camembert, or ricotta are too soft and crumbly to create a stable cheesecake base. They'll likely melt too much during baking, making the cheesecake runny and impossible to slice.

Alternatives:

* Ricotta cheesecake: You can make a delicious and fluffy cheesecake with ricotta, but it'll be more like a mousse or a no-bake cheesecake than a traditional baked one.

* Blended soft cheese: You could try blending a soft cheese with cream cheese to achieve a slightly softer texture. However, this will likely affect the final consistency and might need adjustments to the recipe.

If you're set on using a soft cheese:

1. Choose a firmer soft cheese: Consider a cheese like goat cheese, which is firmer than brie or camembert.

2. Add gelatin: This will help to stabilize the cheese and prevent it from melting too much.

3. Bake for a shorter time: To avoid overcooking the cheese, keep the baking time short.

4. Cool completely: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before cutting and serving.

Important note: The results might not be exactly like a traditional cheesecake.

Ultimately, the best way to ensure a successful cheesecake is to use cream cheese. However, with some creativity and careful techniques, you can explore different cheese options and enjoy delicious cheesecake variations!