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I Fail at Cheesecake please help

Cricket222

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I have a flavor from Tarot called Star that has a fantastic Cheesecake flavor and ever since I got into DIY I have been struggling with getting a flavor to taste anything like cheesecake with zero success so far. I've tried multiple recipes from multiple sources and nothing.
So I am now here for help.
Please can anyone give me a cheesecake recipe that will actually taste like cheesecake?
 

Cricket222

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Well I am looking for a recipe and I'm not. I'm more asking why I'm unable to to get any recipe to taste the way it's supposed to, like is there any specific flavors I should add to make taste more like cheesecake?
I have both a NY cheesecake flavor and a cheesecake (gram cracker crust) flavor and they both taste nothing like cheesecake and both kind of smell a bit like butter popcorn (they don't taste like butter popcorn though)
 

soulshine

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There are a lot of variables. How experienced are you with DIY? How are you measuring. What exact recipes are you using? How long are you giving the liquids to steep? There are no "magic" answers without more information. If you are just using those flavors stand alone, maybe find a little more complex recipe...such as HIC's Homevape Cheesecake which is in the list on that link I gave you. That one is really versatile and can be used as a base with which other flavors can be added.
 

PuffPuffPass

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Well I am looking for a recipe and I'm not. I'm more asking why I'm unable to to get any recipe to taste the way it's supposed to, like is there any specific flavors I should add to make taste more like cheesecake?
I have both a NY cheesecake flavor and a cheesecake (gram cracker crust) flavor and they both taste nothing like cheesecake and both kind of smell a bit like butter popcorn (they don't taste like butter popcorn though)
What brands of flavoring are you using. And at what % are you using them.
 

Cricket222

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I'm pretty new to DIY.
The Cheesecake (graham crust) is TFA and the NY Cheesecake is CAP
I've tried various recipes and I don't have them on hand atm.
Is steeping necessary without Nic? I mean I steep my Nic stuff but since it's the Nic that changes the flavors when steeping I didn't see a reason to steep the non Nic liquids.
 

Dixie1954

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Ok The TFA Cheesecake Graham Crust is just that a crust. The Cap NY Cheesecake IMHO needs a good long steep as most creamy Cap types do (2-4 weeks). And Yes some mixes need steeping even w/o nic - I used no nic bases for all flavorings not tobacco. :) Hopefully this helps. ;)
 

Cricket222

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thank you sir, I'll try steeping them and see what happens
 

cindycated

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Cheesecake is tough, and there are so many different types of the real thing that it's hard to advise anyone on which flavor is best, etc. For instance, I like them dense and silky-creamy, not fluffy and cakey like at Costco. Most of the flavorings/recipes I've tried are like the fluffy-cakey kind, and the only luck I've ever had with cheesecake the way I like it is to take any of them and add in some Cream Cheese flavoring (Vapor Bomb has some - I haven't tried it yet, but One on One just came out with one too). Only thing is, the Cream Cheese flavoring that I've tried fades really fast, so maybe try steeping the cheesecake flavoring first (could take anywhere from 1-4 weeks :eek: ) then add the Cream Cheese right before vaping.
Just a note on steeping - some flavors can go from popcorn, to corn chips/feet, to spoiled milk/baby vomit before it gets to cheesecake, and it may take awhile, but it does get there eventually. :p
 

Squonk

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I like adding a little whipped cream to my cheesecakes. You can also try a small amount of yogurt.
 

Cricket222

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I will defiantly post results, I have three 5 mil test bottles right now. I'll post results in a week or so then let it steep for another week and so on. I hope it doesn't take more then 2 weeks
 

Citizen

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I'm going to mess around with this tonight and hopefully have some info for you in the next month.:)
 

TheVapingDevil

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I've had the same issues. TFA graham crust does nothing for me. I got cap ny cheesecake inbound and will try that one. May as suggested throw some whipped cream in there too. Then it's to the steeping cabinet that I like to not look in because it's too tempting lolol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Heabob

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Both those flavors fall a bit short on the "filling" part although they're still tasty flavors.
Mixing the two together helps a little, but not quite there.

Real Cheesecake filling typically has Cream Cheese and/or other cheese, Sour Cream, Heavy Cream, Vanilla, etc.

The Whipped Cream, Yogurt, and Cream Cheese are all solid ideas.
I'm gonna have to try using these guys next time.
 

Cricket222

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I have been thinking I may just buy the flavors that make up real cheesecake and see how that comes out, specially now that I know that cream cheese is a flavor that actually exists.
I need to start applying my knowledge of cooking and baking to my flavor making.
 

Heabob

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I have been thinking I may just buy the flavors that make up real cheesecake and see how that comes out, specially now that I know that cream cheese is a flavor that actually exists.
I need to start applying my knowledge of cooking and baking to my flavor making.

Many of the people here do this also.
 

SailCat

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I have been thinking I may just buy the flavors that make up real cheesecake and see how that comes out, specially now that I know that cream cheese is a flavor that actually exists.
I need to start applying my knowledge of cooking and baking to my flavor making.

This is an excellent idea and a passion for cooking puts you a step up for e-liquid DIY

Howerver, converting a food recipe to juice ingredients is also an advanced technique. You might do yourself a favor, go through the search that soulshine was kind enough to provide, find one with positive reviews and give that a shot for startskies.

You're doing great. Have faith, have fun and welcome to VU!
 

Cricket222

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Well I forgot to write down the measurements for the recipe but I know what flavors are in it so I'll at least be able to put those in.
NY Cheesecake
Cheesecake (graham Crust)
Vanilla Custard
Sweet Cream
Bavarian Cream
Blueberry Wild

This is after 1 week of steeping

The Blueberry flavor has mellowed out a lot, it has a much creamier mouth feel/flavor and that pesky popcorn smell has gone away.
The flavor is miles better then before and I could definitely Vape on this all day. With that being said, it still lacks any semblance of a cheesecake flavor.

I will continue to steep and post an update next week.
 

Heabob

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Well I forgot to write down the measurements for the recipe but I know what flavors are in it so I'll at least be able to put those in.
NY Cheesecake
Cheesecake (graham Crust)
Vanilla Custard
Sweet Cream
Bavarian Cream
Blueberry Wild

This is after 1 week of steeping

The Blueberry flavor has mellowed out a lot, it has a much creamier mouth feel/flavor and that pesky popcorn smell has gone away.
The flavor is miles better then before and I could definitely Vape on this all day. With that being said, it still lacks any semblance of a cheesecake flavor.

I will continue to steep and post an update next week.

Glad you finally got something decent to vape.
Lol, always keep records.
I like the calculators like e-juicemeup that have a section for notes.
And you can also "save" the recipe for future use or adjustments.
 

Neunerball

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Well I forgot to write down the measurements for the recipe but I know what flavors are in it so I'll at least be able to put those in.
NY Cheesecake
Cheesecake (graham Crust)
Vanilla Custard
Sweet Cream
Bavarian Cream
Blueberry Wild

This is after 1 week of steeping

The Blueberry flavor has mellowed out a lot, it has a much creamier mouth feel/flavor and that pesky popcorn smell has gone away.
The flavor is miles better then before and I could definitely Vape on this all day. With that being said, it still lacks any semblance of a cheesecake flavor.

I will continue to steep and post an update next week.
Speed up the steeping process by utilizing either a crockpot, or an ultrasonic cleaner (w/ build in heater). I'm using an UC for my juices that need steeping. Instead of weeks, it takes hours to steep. Disadvantage about the UC is you have to start the cycle over and over, and pay attention to the heat (or better the lack of) of the water in the UC.
 

Cricket222

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Glad you finally got something decent to vape.
Lol, always keep records.
I like the calculators like e-juicemeup that have a section for notes.
And you can also "save" the recipe for future use or adjustments.

Thanks, I'll have to check out E-juicemeup. I'm currently using Steam Engine app on my tablet, it's pretty good but I like the idea of being able to save my recipes

Speed up the steeping process by utilizing either a crockpot, or an ultrasonic cleaner (w/ build in heater). I'm using an UC for my juices that need steeping. Instead of weeks, it takes hours to steep. Disadvantage about the UC is you have to start the cycle over and over, and pay attention to the heat (or better the lack of) of the water in the UC.

I've heard of the hot water steeping thing and actually own a crocpot just haven't gotten around to trying it yet.
 

Discobob

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I have had good luck with an hour or so under 150 degrees, then I shut it off and let it sit till the morning. Seems to speed it up about a week or so from what I have kinda tested. The crockpot method is just like any other form of steeping rain dances.....all personal preference:)
 

Teresa P

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@Teresa P might be able to chime in, on how to utilize a crockpot for steeping.
The "low" setting will keep the water at 140-150 degrees; add water till it just reaches the necks of the capped glass bottles, cock the lid slightly, steep for about four hours. I usually shake the bottles every hour or so and uncap them to release any pressure. Some here have turned the crockpot off after four hours or so and just let the bottles cool in the water overnight. ** Don't do this for spice mixes, as they don't fare well.
I really don't do this very often myself, I just prefer the tried and true "time steep" method. But if you're in a rush, it does "age" the juice a bit more quickly.
 

Cricket222

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The "low" setting will keep the water at 140-150 degrees; add water till it just reaches the necks of the capped glass bottles, cock the lid slightly, steep for about four hours. I usually shake the bottles every hour or so and uncap them to release any pressure. Some here have turned the crockpot off after four hours or so and just let the bottles cool in the water overnight. ** Don't do this for spice mixes, as they don't fare well.
I really don't do this very often myself, I just prefer the tried and true "time steep" method. But if you're in a rush, it does "age" the juice a bit more quickly.
Awesome I will give this a go later today.
 

Dixie1954

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It does not surprise me that using both the NY Cheesecake and the TFA Cheesecake Graham Crust give you that Popcorn smell - they both contain acetyl pyrazine aka as the additive AP - which to me even in tiny wee amounts I can smell and or taste a mile away.:confused: So glad it steeped out for you - it did not for me.:eek:;)
 

Cricket222

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It does not surprise me that using both the NY Cheesecake and the TFA Cheesecake Graham Crust give you that Popcorn smell - they both contain acetyl pyrazine aka as the additive AP - which to me even in tiny wee amounts I can smell and or taste a mile away.:confused: So glad it steeped out for you - it did not for me.:eek:;)
They both separately had the smell, but yeah I'm pretty glad it's not sticking around
 

Cricket222

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Just wondering since it's about this topic does anyone know where I could find a Cream Cheese flavor I've googled plenty and have only been able to find Cream Cheese frosting flavoring?
 

Teresa P

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Just wondering since it's about this topic does anyone know where I could find a Cream Cheese flavor I've googled plenty and have only been able to find Cream Cheese frosting flavoring?
I like Lorann's cream cheese icing, it's more cream cheese than icing. Though some may curl their noses at the flavor, I have a yummy recipe for red velvet cake that uses the Lorann's CCI and Signature/TFA red velvet cake flavoring. ;)
 

Cricket222

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I like Lorann's cream cheese icing, it's more cream cheese than icing. Though some may curl their noses at the flavor, I have a yummy recipe for red velvet cake that uses the Lorann's CCI and Signature/TFA red velvet cake flavoring. ;)

I'll give it a try, Thanks
 

ziggzagg

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Dulce de leche added to a cheesecake recipe of your choice may be the ticket.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
 

ziggzagg

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That's my recipe. Might be a little strong for some but you can adjust to your liking.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
 

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Cricket222

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That's my recipe. Might be a little strong for some but you can adjust to your liking.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
wow that's a big recipe, I'll give it a try as soon as get get my hands on the flavors I'll need for it and thank you.
 

Cricket222

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So I got a bit impatient and decided to test the flavor today. The Cheesecake Graham crust flavor has started to come out finally and there is just a sleight hint of a cheesecake flavor coming through so yay. The down side is that the blue berry flavor is starting to fade to nothing but that's no biggy, I figure one more week of steeping will get it to where I want.

Thanks again for the help everyone.
 

cindycated

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Just wondering since it's about this topic does anyone know where I could find a Cream Cheese flavor I've googled plenty and have only been able to find Cream Cheese frosting flavoring?
Sorry, Cricket - been offline for awhile. Cream Cheese can be gotten from
Vapor Bomb: http://vaporbomb.com/E-Liquid-Flavoring-VBflavoring.htm
One On One Flavors: http://oneononeflavors.com/products/cream-cheese-flavor-pg

I've tried Vapor Bomb's, and it did work really well for me to get cheesecake up to cheesecake, but it's a little pricey. Add it a few days after you've mixed the other stuff (if you're letting it steep for a week or so) - I dunno if they use the same stuff as Faeries Finest Cream Cheese - that stuff was notorious for flavor fade, like to nothing within a few days. I haven't tried One On One's yet, but it's way cheaper (but not as concentrated), and my experience with their other flavors is that they've been quite accurate (enjoying their Spumoni Ice Cream and Root Beer Float right now :) ). LorAnn's Cream Cheese Icing didn't get me there AT ALL, and tasted a little funky to me. ;)
 

Heabob

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Sorry, Cricket - been offline for awhile. Cream Cheese can be gotten from
Vapor Bomb: http://vaporbomb.com/E-Liquid-Flavoring-VBflavoring.htm
One On One Flavors: http://oneononeflavors.com/products/cream-cheese-flavor-pg

I've tried Vapor Bomb's, and it did work really well for me to get cheesecake up to cheesecake, but it's a little pricey. Add it a few days after you've mixed the other stuff (if you're letting it steep for a week or so) - I dunno if they use the same stuff as Faeries Finest Cream Cheese - that stuff was notorious for flavor fade, like to nothing within a few days. I haven't tried One On One's yet, but it's way cheaper (but not as concentrated), and my experience with their other flavors is that they've been quite accurate (enjoying their Spumoni Ice Cream and Root Beer Float right now :) ). LorAnn's Cream Cheese Icing didn't get me there AT ALL, and tasted a little funky to me. ;)

That one didn't do much for me either...
Although I use so much Fruit flavor in my Cheesecakes I can't taste much of anything else anyway:D.
I really need to try making just a plain cheesecake without any fruit.

Have you tried using any Yogurt instead, like CAP Creamy Yogurt or Greek? (still haven't tried it myself, too busy lately)
At least the Yogurts don't seem to fade much after steeping.
Depending on the end results, if it's too tart or sour you may have to add EM, 0.5-1%.

(Just some things I've read about)
Real Cream Cheese and Yogurt are close cousins, and Sour Cream fits in there somewhere too I think.
Both are fermented (or cultured) dairy.
Cream Cheese (Fresh Cheese) is made from mostly Heavy Cream.
Yogurt is made from Whole Milk but also uses some heat.
Slightly different culture/bacteria used for each I think.
That's where the varying tartness comes from.
Real Cheesecake (filling part) also use Eggs, Butter, Vanilla, & Sugar.
(At least for some of the old home made stuff anyway)
 

Cricket222

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So at the end of around 4 weeks the popcorn smell went away and then later turned into a popcorn flavor that overpowered pretty much everything else. I've come to the conclusion that NY cheesecake and Cheesecake Graham crust are just popcorn flavors in disguise. I'm kind of curious who the hell taste tested these flavors and said "yeah that's cheesecake", because that person should be fired. Anyway I'm going the from scratch route and will be buying all the flavors of cheesecake separately and just make my own. I just need to find a sour cream flavor, a good cream cheese and a crust and all will be good.
 

Heabob

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So at the end of around 4 weeks the popcorn smell went away and then later turned into a popcorn flavor that overpowered pretty much everything else. I've come to the conclusion that NY cheesecake and Cheesecake Graham crust are just popcorn flavors in disguise. I'm kind of curious who the hell taste tested these flavors and said "yeah that's cheesecake", because that person should be fired. Anyway I'm going the from scratch route and will be buying all the flavors of cheesecake separately and just make my own. I just need to find a sour cream flavor, a good cream cheese and a crust and all will be good.

I was using TFA Graham Cracker (clear), before Cheesecake Graham came out and it was pretty decent.
Most of the other Graham Cracker brands have a Cinnamon taste that may not go well in Cheesecake IDK.
But I wouldn't use any Bavarian again, wrong type of Cream IMO.
 

FL_David

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Ok The TFA Cheesecake Graham Crust is just that a crust.
I learn something new here every time. I thought it was cheesecake with a crust flavor. That explains the last 2x I mixed with it..
 

Heabob

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I taste cheesecake in TFA cheesecake graham crust. According to TFA it has more of a pronounced crust taste.

Was it as a stand alone?
I've never tried stand alone with that one yet...
 

Bucky205

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I find the more flavors that a recipe calls for, the harder it is to get right. I wish it was as simple as adding two recipes that taste good alone, together. If you could just mix your good banana recipe, with your good strawberry recipe and come out with a good strawberry/banana recipe it would be great. A lot of time they end up tasting like laundry water. The more variables that you introduce into an equation, the harder it is to solve.
 

Heabob

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I find the more flavors that a recipe calls for, the harder it is to get right. I wish it was as simple as adding two recipes that taste good alone, together. If you could just mix your good banana recipe, with your good strawberry recipe and come out with a good strawberry/banana recipe it would be great. A lot of time they end up tasting like laundry water. The more variables that you introduce into an equation, the harder it is to solve.

So true, usually the more flavors that are used the harder it gets to solve problems.
Some of the simpler 2-3 flavor mixes are really good too.
 

Bucky205

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So true, usually the more flavors that are used the harder it gets to solve problems.
Some of the simpler 2-3 flavor mixes are really good too.
I try to stick to simpler recipes. Three of my favorites are really simple clones. Muffin Man, Grants Vanilla Custard, Cracker Jacks. I see a lot of people start with recipe's that have 5+ flavors, then they give up DIY because it didn't come out well. I learned on custard, then expanded to custard blends. There is a list of things you can combine with custard and it come out well. Cinnamon roll is that way as well, once the cinnamon roll is good, tinkering can add a whole new flavor.
 

Heabob

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I try to stick to simpler recipes. Three of my favorites are really simple clones. Muffin Man, Grants Vanilla Custard, Cracker Jacks. I see a lot of people start with recipe's that have 5+ flavors, then they give up DIY because it didn't come out well. I learned on custard, then expanded to custard blends. There is a list of things you can combine with custard and it come out well. Cinnamon roll is that way as well, once the cinnamon roll is good, tinkering can add a whole new flavor.

Yup, FW Cinnamon Roll is a good flavor even stand alone but I get burnt out on it after vaping it for too long.
I like to add it to other things cause it's a sweeter Cinnamon than most others and fits in well with bakery types like Apple Pie.
Lol, Vanilla Custard goes with anything.
 

Squonk

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Yup, FW Cinnamon Roll is a good flavor even stand alone but I get burnt out on it after vaping it for too long.
I like to add it to other things cause it's a sweeter Cinnamon than most others and fits in well with bakery types like Apple Pie.
Lol, Vanilla Custard goes with anything.
I got my Capella order(trying some new stuff) in and yesterday I mixed CAPs Cinnamon Danish Swirl V2 @5% and CAPs Vanilla Whipped Cream @3% and after one day it's pretty damn good. I've been rethinking my approach and have to agree that sometimes it's better when you keep it simple.
 
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Heabob

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I got my Capella order(trying some new stuff) in and yesterday I mixed CAPs Cinnamon Danish Swirl V2 @5% and CAPs Vanilla Whipped Cream @3% and after one day it's pretty damn good. I've been rethinking my approach and have to agree that sometimes it's better when you keep it simple.

Is the CAP Vanilla Whipped Cream much different from the regular Whipped Cream?
 

Squonk

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Is the CAP Vanilla Whipped Cream much different from the regular Whipped Cream?
This is my first crack at it and all I can compare it to is FW. It's very creamy and more realistic than FWs. Just smelling it is great. I've been picking up more CAPs newer flavors lately and I'm finding them to be quite good. I had mostly FA and like them as well (and maybe it's just me) but sometimes it seems some of the flavors fade in a mix over a short time. Sometimes I can mix something that will taste great, then after a week it becomes muddled because one or two flavors faded to nothing and the others steeped stronger. Caps seems to have gotten it together with their juicy type fruits and base mixes and (too me) tend to be more predictable. But again that might just be me. Sooooo.....
 

trecenters

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When you say the recipe doesn't resemble cheesecake what are you missing?

You will probably want to get a piece of cheesecake to eat while smelling flavors,"also try dripping a drop of flavor in s shotglasses of water" drinking them, and breathing in and out.

Are you missing the Egg? The Vanilla? a Cream?

Are you using sweet cream and the recipe is too sweet and not creamy enough? Have you tried FA Fresh Cream instead?

I have TFA Cheesecake (NOT Graham Crust), but I don't like cheesecake enough to find out how this flavor is best used. I am guessing use it very sparingly for the Cream Cheese flavor. I heard it sucks pretty bad to use it over a drop per 10ml. I always heard it gives the actual Cream Cheese Undertone Flavor..
 

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