What ingredient is common to both the Lemon Chiffon Pie and the Pumpkin Cheesecake?

The ingredient that is common to both the Lemon Chiffon Pie and the Pumpkin Cheesecake is cream cheese. In the context of these desserts, cream cheese acts as a key ingredient in the filling, contributing creaminess and a rich, smooth texture.

In Lemon Chiffon Pie, cream cheese helps balance the brightness of the lemon flavor with a filling that has a slight tang, making the dessert more satisfying and decadent. For Pumpkin Cheesecake, cream cheese is essential as it provides the foundational creamy layer that complements the spiced pumpkin puree, resulting in a rich and flavorful cheesecake.

The pairing of cream cheese with the other ingredients not only enhances the taste but also stabilizes the overall structure of the desserts, making them delightful treats. Other options, such as heavy cream, blueberries, or egg yolk, do not serve the same crucial role in both desserts. Heavy cream might be used for whipped toppings or as part of the filling, but it does not play a consistent role in both dishes. Similarly, blueberries are typically not included in these two specific recipes, and while egg yolk might be used in custardy desserts, it is not a defining ingredient in either the Lemon Chiffon Pie or the Pumpkin Cheesecake.