The Jewish festival of Shavuot initially marked the beginning of the harvest and now commemorates when the Israelites received the ten commandments and the Torah. In modern times, Jews began to eat dairy during Shavuot to celebrate the land of Israel flowing with milk and honey. Therefore, blintzes and cheesecakes have become all the rage.

Birthright Israel Fellow and artist David Ratz created this delicious lotus butter cheesecake recipe that is perfect for Shavuot festivities. You can also check out his kiddush sprinkle cookie recipe if you’re looking for more sweet treats.

Lotus Butter Cheesecake

Filling

  • 3 cups of whipped cream cheese (preferably Temp Tee brand) 
  • 1 cup of sugar 
  • 1 cup of sour cream 
  • 2 eggs 
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch 
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla 

Crust 

  • 2 cups of Lotus biscuits 
  • 1 stick of butter (melted) 

Topping 

Directions 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Crush lotus biscuits and mix with butter. 
  3. Place mixture into the bottom of a springform pan and bake for 3-5 minutes. 
  4. Mix filling ingredients, starting with cream cheese and sour cream. Add sugar and eggs. Finish off with vanilla and corn starch. Pour on top of the crust.  
  5. Bake for 70 minutes.
  6. Melt Biscoff spread and pour it on top of the cheesecake. Chill for 4-8 hours and enjoy.

Discover More About Shavuot

There is much to discover about the Jewish festival of Shavuot and its customs. We suggest exploring through food, utilizing our Shavuot recipe list for your next gathering! And, if you’re a Birthright Israel alumni, parent, or grandparent with a tasty, favorite recipe, we want to know! Share your recipes with us here.