27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (2024)

Cheesecake is a winner. The combination of a butterycookie crust and the luscious texture and tangy-sweet flavor of the filling is nothing short of spectacular. A classic cheesecake recipe is made with cream cheese, sour cream, egg yolks, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice. It bakes low and slow for at least two hours, then chills to set up. Serve it sliced as is, or top it with a handful of fresh berries for a pop of color and contrasting flavor.

But why stop there? We have all kinds of delicious variations of the classic cheesecake recipe. Flavored iterations such askey limeor chocolate—and cheesecake served in the form of a tart, sheet cake, or bars. Our no-bake versions are not to be missed. They swap the usual egg yolks for other decadent ingredients such as sweetened condensed milk, ricotta cheese, or whipped cream. What all these cheesecakes have in common is that they are irresistible. They're crowd-pleasing desserts you can make any time of the year.

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Pumpkin Cheesecake

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (1)

Silky smooth, and light as air, our pumpkin cheesecake is packed with fall flavors. There's a toasted graham cracker crumb crust and a silky pumpkin and cream cheese filling spiced with the perfect amount of pumpkin pie spice.

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New York-Style Cheesecake

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (2)

Inspired by the very best from New York bakeries, this fan-favorite cheesecake recipe features a thick graham cracker crust and a rich filling made with cream cheese, sour cream, egg yolks, and two kinds of sugar.

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No-Bake Cheesecake

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (3)

This no-bake version of classic cheesecake is one of our most popular recipes. The filling is made with a decadent combination of cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk, which creates a pure white, silky finish.

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Sernik (Polish-Style Cheesecake)

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (4)

A recipe from Martha's mom, this Polish-style cheesecake is an Easter tradition in the Kostyra family. Instead of the usual cream cheese filling and graham cracker crust, this cheesecake has a creamy filling made with farmer cheese, sour cream, and golden raisins. The crust is a rich pie crust-like pastry made with flour, confectioners' sugar, butter, egg yolks, and sour cream.

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No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (5)

Cheesecake made in the form of a sheet pan makes dessert preparation so easy. This version, topped with plump, seasonal blueberries and a berry compote, is especially delicious.

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Instant Pot Cheesecake

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (6)

Use your favorite multi-cooker to make this irresistible cheesecake recipe. It bakes on the pressure cooker setting for 45 minutes, then chills in a refrigerator for at least two hours.

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Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Squares

Who doesn't love peanut butter and jelly? Since we know this combination is so widely loved, we turned the kid-friendly sandwich into crowd-pleasing cheesecake bars.

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Classic Cheesecake

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (8)

Rich, smooth, and creamy, this classic cheesecake is hard to beat. Our recipe combines a handful of simple ingredients to make a satisfying dessert that everyone loves. A handful of fresh berries is all the toppings it needs.

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Ricotta Cheesecake

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (9)

With just 15 minutes of prep and no water bath required, this Italian-style cheesecake recipe is one of our easiest.

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Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (10)

A different take on cheesecake, this fall-friendly recipe has a pecan crust and a pumpkin filling, then more pecans for the topping. It's baked in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish rather than the usual springform pan.

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No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (11)

A genius pairing of key lime pie and cheesecake makes for one epic dessert. Bonus: It's also an easy no-bake dessert.

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Apricot Cheesecake Tart

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (12)

Who knew that a few dollops of fruit jam—in this case, apricot—could instantly take a basic cheesecake recipe to a sweet next level? We pipe it on top of the cheesecake right before baking.

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Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (13)

If you have leftover cranberry sauce from holiday festivities, swirl it into this cheesecake recipe for a luscious dessert.

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Bruléed Vanilla-Bean Cheesecake

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (14)

Crème brûlée, meet cheesecake. In this two-for-one special, cheesecake is baked in a tart shell, then a mesmerizing swirl of spun sugar is brûléed on top.

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Margarita Cheesecake

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (15)

If you don't feel like mixing co*cktails, dole them out by the slice instead. The alcohol bakes out while cooking, so guests of all ages can enjoy this decadent treat.

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Cheesecake Babka

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (16)

Can't decide between serving cheesecake or babka, the sweet yeasted bread that originated in Eastern Europe? Try this recipe that combines two desserts in one. A cream cheese and ricotta cheese mixture—flavored with vanilla and lemon juice—is swirled through the loaf.

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Pumpkin Mousse Cheesecake

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (17)

This airy cheesecake recipe will instantly transport you to cloud nine. The dessert is comprised of three layers—a graham cracker crust, cheesecake filling, and pumpkin mousse topping.

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Strawberries and Cream Cheesecake

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (18)

Intense oven-roasted strawberries are folded into a blend of tangy mascarpone and cream cheese, then covered with a rich vanilla layer—proof that cheesecake can be both unexpected and delicious.

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Triple-Chocolate Cheesecake

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (19)

Fancy a triple dose of chocolate? There are chocolate wafers in the crust, semi-sweet chocolate in the filling, and a rich chocolate ganache smoothed on top of this super cheesecake.

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Pumpkin-Cheesecake Pie with Gingersnap Crust

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (20)

Serve this stunning twist on a classic fall dessert for Thanksgiving and no one will miss the usual pumpkin pie. The gingersnap cookie crust is a genius touch.

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No-Bake Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (21)

Another cheesecake with a gingersnap crust, this one is an easy no-bake cheesecake that's perfectly complimented by the spicy base.

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Carrot Cheesecake with Marzipan Carrots

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (22)

Cream-cheese frosting and warm spices, carrot cake's best features, are reimagined as a showstopping cheesecake topped with marzipan carrots.

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No-Bake Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (23)

A berry pretty combination of fruits suits July 4th, but you can top this no-bake cheesecake with whatever fruit is best at the market—and make this cheesecake all year long.

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Rhubarb Raspberry Cheesecake Squares

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (24)

Topping cheesecake with shimmering fruit is nothing new, but we spun this one in a fresh direction by swapping out the expected cherries for a rhubarb-raspberry gelee that's a spectacular ruby red color.

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Maple Cheesecake with Roasted Pears

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (25)

Maple syrup flavors this luscious cheesecake inside and out, from the creamy filling to the broiled pears on top.

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Gingerbread Cheesecake

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (26)

A molasses-gingerbread cookie dough does double duty here; it forms the crust and the cookies that top this charming holiday dessert.

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No-Bake Spiderweb Cheesecake

27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (27)

Innocents are snared easily by a ganache spiderweb spun by a gumdrop spider with licorice-string legs. Try a bite, if you dare.

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27 Must-Make Cheesecake Recipes, From Classic to Innovative (Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites, Anyone?) (2024)

FAQs

What are 3 styles of cheesecake? ›

New York style cheesecake, classic cheesecake, and no bake cheesecake are the most popular types of cheesecakes, but the best cheesecake flavor is the one that you find irresistible — and that may be different for everyone.

What are the most popular cheesecakes? ›

We've rounded up our most popular, most delicious cheesecake recipes so that you can nail dessert every time.
  • 1Brioche cheesecake. ...
  • 2Roasted strawberries and cream cheesecake. ...
  • 3Coconut cheesecake with lime and passionfruit sauce. ...
  • 4Triple choc upside-down cheesecake. ...
  • 5Caramel chocolate cheesecake. ...
  • 6Jelly jaffa cheesecake.

What makes a New York cheesecake different? ›

When it comes to New York style cheesecake, heavy cream or sour cream is added to the mixture to create a denser, smoother, and creamier cheesecake. A springform pan allows for even baking and a high temperature creates a nice, attractive golden brown crust.

How many different cheesecakes are there? ›

There are three basic types of cheesecake: baked, mousse and set. New York cheesecake is a variety of baked cheesecake. A mousse cheesecake is set with gelatin and is my least favourite type.

Which cheesecake flavor is the best? ›

Here are some easy yet super recipes that will force you to gorge on to this yumminess.
  1. Blueberry Cheesecake. Recipe by Chef Noel Nalin Fonseka. ...
  2. Cherry Cheesecake. ...
  3. Pineapple Cheesecake. ...
  4. Chocolate Chip Cheesecake. ...
  5. Brownie Bottom Cheesecake. ...
  6. Strawberry Cheesecake. ...
  7. Gulab Jamun Cheesecake. ...
  8. Chilled Mango Cheesecake.
Mar 25, 2022

What is the difference between New York cheesecake and Philadelphia cheesecake? ›

More Variations in America

Meanwhile, Philadelphia cheesecake is known for being lighter and creamier than New York style cheesecake and it can be served with fruit or chocolate toppings. In St. Louis, they enjoy a gooey butter cake, which has an additional layer of cake topping on the cheesecake filling.

What is the oldest cheesecake? ›

Over 4,000 years ago in the fifth century BC, the ancient Greeks on the island of Samos created the earliest known cheesecake. This rudimentary cheesecake was made with patties of fresh cheese that were then pounded smooth with flour and honey.

What is Chicago cheesecake? ›

Chicago Cheesecake is known for its firm outside and soft and creamy center, which comes from the extra cream cheese that is added to the batter.

Which cream cheese is better for cheesecake? ›

But with dozens of cream cheese options at the grocery store, it can be hard to know which variety works best, right? Well, I can tell you that after baking HUNDREDS of cheesecakes, the best cream cheese is brick-style cream cheese. I love Philadelphia brand, but use your favorite brand.

What is a Biltmore cheesecake? ›

Description:Creamy vanilla cheesecake baked in a graham crust. Also available in a base and dome format for in-store bakeries (Item #107290)

Is sour cream or heavy cream better for cheesecake? ›

Sour cream supports the underlying tang of the cream cheese, but, if overdone, it takes over as the dominant flavor. You need a little of each -- cream for texture and sour cream for flavor. With our ingredients settled, we focused in on how to keep the cheesecake from baking up grainy and cracked.

Why do you put sour cream in cheesecake? ›

Cheesecake is clearly a different animal from bundts or cupcakes, but sour cream has a place here too! Combined with even more densely rich cream cheese, sour cream actually tempers the star ingredient a touch, softening its texture. It also adds another layer of tangy flavor and moisture to a cheesecake.

What is the most expensive cheesecake sold? ›

The most expensive cheesecake sold for $4,592.42 (£3,496.44; 3,955.57€) and was made by chef Raffaele Ronca (USA) at Ristorante Rafele in New York, NY, USA on October 30, 2017.

What is the difference between Japanese and American cheesecake? ›

One thing that makes Japanese cheesecake different and special is its unique texture. Unlike traditional cheesecakes, which are dense and heavy, Japanese cheesecakes are light and airy. With a combination of whipped egg whites and cream cheese, this dessert takes on the perfect balance of smoothness and fluffiness.

What is the difference between Japanese cheesecake and American cheesecake? ›

As we mentioned before, Japanese cheesecakes are much lighter and fluffier than regular cheesecakes. You can tell the difference in texture just by looking at the two kinds of cake. A regular cheesecake is dense and heavy, while a Japanese cheesecake is light and airy. They taste nothing like each other!

What is the difference between New York-style cheesecake and Chicago style cheesecake? ›

New York style cheesecake is known for its dense, smooth, rich, and creamy texture. This is because the addition of heavy cream or sour cream tempers the cream cheese. Chicago Cheesecake is known for its firm outside and soft and creamy center, which comes from the extra cream cheese that is added to the batter.

What is the difference between French style and New York-style cheesecake? ›

A French Style Cheesecake is simple, elegant, and a bit different than the popular one New York Cheesecake. The French one it's creamier and leaves you with a strong vanilla flavor from the first bite.

What are the two main types of cheesecake? ›

New York cheesecake uses a larger portion of cream cheese. It is rich and dense. Regular cheesecake uses more cream and has a creamier texture. There is typically a crust made of graham crackers, but sometimes other cookies like shortbread are used.

What is the difference between NY style and Italian style cheesecake? ›

The main difference between what we would consider typical New York American cheesecake and Italian cheesecake is that in Italy, cheesecake is made with ricotta rather than cream cheese. It is also a bit lighter and dryer, more cakelike and less cloying.

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