Walt Disney World is buzzing with excitement this summer, offering a plethora of activities and mouthwatering dishes that cater to visitors of all ages. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting this magical place with my two young daughters, and we had an unforgettable experience! While Disney is renowned for its iconic theme parks and luxurious resorts, the diverse culinary offerings deserve a spotlight of their own.
One of the highlights of our trip was the unique dining experience at a restaurant called Space 220, located within Epcot. This venue combines an attraction with a dining experience, featuring the famous Cosmic Cheesecake. Guests embark on a journey, receiving a boarding pass before launching 220 miles into the sky to a space station. Upon arrival, diners are greeted by a breathtaking view filled with stars, astronauts, and some of the most delectable dishes in the universe.
While many guests are drawn to the prix fixe lunch or dinner options, it’s the dessert that truly captivates. When the Cosmic Cheesecake was served at our table, I couldn’t resist diving in. It was so delightful that I was inspired to recreate it at home. This dessert has now joined my collection of beloved Disney-inspired recipes. You must also try the grilled cheese from Toy Story Land, the molasses crackle cookies, and even Walt Disney’s favorite dessert!
What Makes a Cosmic Cheesecake Special?
During my visit, I had the opportunity to chat with the pastry chef, who shared insights into the creation of this iconic dessert. She revealed that the Cosmic Cheesecake has been a bestseller since its inception and is also gluten-free! The dessert features a classic New York-style cheesecake base, encased in gluten-free cookie crumbs and raspberry gel, all topped with an edible chocolate dome adorned with shimmering decorations and celestial sprinkles.
How to Create Your Own Cosmic Cheesecake
The components of this dessert seemed straightforward, so I took detailed notes and returned home eager to experiment in the kitchen. This is the joy of recreating Disney-inspired recipes; it builds excitement before a trip or serves as a nostalgic reminder of your adventures afterward.
Although this stunning restaurant dish may appear intimidating to replicate at home, I discovered several shortcuts and clever substitutions to simplify the process.
Ingredients
- Chocolate Dome: This represents the ‘planet’ on the plate and can be easily made at home using a silicone mold and magic shell chocolate sauce.
- Chocolate Cheesecake: Each dome is filled with a rich chocolate cheesecake. I utilized the filling from a no-bake chocolate cheesecake recipe.
- Raspberry Jam: To mimic the raspberry gel from the restaurant, I opted for a jar of seedless raspberry jam.
- Cookie Crumbs: The plate is dusted with delicious edible ‘celestial dust,’ which can be made from your favorite chocolate wafer cookies. I used Oreos, but chocolate graham crackers or gluten-free cookies work just as well. A few pulses in the food processor will create the perfect crumbs.
- Decorations: Finally, embellish the planet and the plate with edible gold shimmer and colorful sprinkles to add a creative touch!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Dome
Begin by using a silicone dome mold, similar to those used for hot chocolate bombs. Fill each cavity with either store-bought or homemade magic shell chocolate and place it in the freezer while you prepare the rest of the dessert.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Next, prepare the no-bake chocolate cheesecake filling and spoon it into each well of the mold. Return it to the freezer to set while you arrange the plates.
Step 3: Assemble the Cosmic Creation
To start plating, place a few spoonfuls of seedless raspberry jam in a resealable plastic bag or pastry bag, snip the corner, and squeeze to create raspberry ovals on the plate. Sprinkle cookie crumbs in one corner for added texture.
Step 4: Present the Final Dish
Now, it’s time to remove the cheesecake domes from the freezer. Invert one onto each plate, resting it atop the cookie crumbs.
Finally, decorate the chocolate dome to your liking! A light dusting of edible shimmer and various sprinkles can enhance the visual appeal of your cosmic creation.
How Did It Taste?
The Cosmic Cheesecake was a true masterpiece of pastry artistry. The chocolate dome sparkled, and the cheesecake filling was indulgently rich. I savored every bite and found the process of recreating this dessert at home to be an enjoyable challenge. With a few helpful tips, it was manageable even for a novice baker. I will definitely make this recipe again, and I look forward to returning to Disney in the future to dine at Space 220 once more.