It’s an unofficial holiday.
In 1980, Eli Schulman debut Eli’s Cheesecake at the first ever taste of Chicago. And in 1987, he brought a humongous one to the event, doling out free slices to hungry festival goers.
Dessert lovers gobbled them up, of course. And that’s when the 1,000-pound Eli’s Cheesecake to celebrate the Taste of Chicago was born.
“It’s really a great weekend in Chicago, so we’re really excited to be back,” Eli’s Cheesecake president Marc Schulman said.
And so will their massive cheesecake.
According to Eli’s officials, cows will be “working overtime” to produce the six-foot high cheesecakes, topped with baseball-sized cherries.
And if you’re wondering what the grocery list looks like for a 1,000 cheesecake, you may want to bring a wagon to the store:
- 450 pounds of cream cheese
- 125 pounds of cookie dough
- 100 pounds of old-fashioned buttercream icing
- 70 pounds of sugar
- 65 pounds of eggs
- 63 pounds of Eli’s Shortbread Cookie Crust
- 50 pounds of sour cream
- 25 pounds of bittersweet chocolate chips
- 25 pounds of cherry glaze
- 25 pounds of graham crackers
- Two pounds of vanilla
According to officials, the giant pie will be cut at this year’s Taste of Chicago at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Slices will be handed out free to the crowd, while supplies last.
The Taste runs through Sunday, so don’t miss out on the delicious and entertaining event! More information on food vendors, activities, and performances can be found here.
