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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10of 27

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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12of 27

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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13of 27

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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18of 27

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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20of 27

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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23of 27

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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26of 27

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? ›

Traditional, Basque, New York, Vegan, No Bake – There are so many different types of cheesecakes, each with their own unique set of ingredients and methods, but what exactly makes them different?

How many different cheesecakes are there? ›

How many types of cheesecakes are there? In general, there are 14 basic types of cheesecake, including the most popular types of cheesecake common around the world as well as variations common in particular countries or regions of the world.

Who invented cheesecake? ›

The ancient Greeks, by the fifth century BC, made the earliest known rudimentary cheesecakes (plakous meaning “flat mass”), consisting of patties of fresh cheese pounded smooth with flour and honey and cooked on an earthenware griddle. In late medieval Europe, cheesecake remerged in tart form with a pastry base.

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

Regular cheesecake relies on heavy cream and sour cream to thin the batter and create a silkier, creamier texture. New York cheesecake is heavy on the cream cheese which is why it's so dense and rich. Extra cream cheese isn't the only thing that makes New York cheesecake so special.

What's the difference between a New York-style cheesecake in a classic cheesecake? ›

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.

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.

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's the difference between NY 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 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)

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.

Which country is famous for cheesecake? ›

Cheesecake has its origins in ancient Greece and was later adopted by the Romans. Nowadays, cheesecake is enjoyed in many variations across Europe, including baked, unbaked, fruit-topped, and chocolate-covered.

What country invented cheesecake? ›

Cheesecake
Baked cheesecake topped with raspberries
TypeVarious
Place of originAncient Greece
Main ingredientsCream cheese, sugar, pie crust (graham cracker crust, pastry, or sponge cake)
Cookbook: Cheesecake Media: Cheesecake
1 more row

Why do chefs usually use a water bath for cheesecake? ›

Here's why: Cheesecakes Are Egg-Heavy: Eggs need a moist and humid environment to properly rise and avoid drying out or burning. Prevent Cracks in the Surface: The steam from the hot water will lift the cheesecake up slowly and evenly, reducing the risk of cracks on the surface.

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

New York-style cheesecake is a lot denser than regular cheesecake. Regular cheesecake is thinned out with heavy cream, while New York cheesecake gets its creaminess mostly from cream cheese.

What is the difference between New York cheesecake and Basque burnt cheesecake? ›

It's main difference from a New York Style Cheesecake is that it is crustless, and has a golden, beautiful caramelized exterior. It also has a much lighter texture and flavor. The cheesecake is baked at a high temperature in order to get that burnt exterior and super creamy interior.

What are the different types of cheesecake textures? ›

Soft and creamy, light and fluffy, or firm and dense. Varying the oven temperature and using whole or separated eggs make all the difference. Challenge: For most cheesecake fans, perfect cheesecake has more to do with texture than flavor. Some cheesecakes are firm and dense, like a classic New York-style cheesecake.

What is the difference between burnt basque cheesecake and New York cheesecake? ›

What Is Basque Cheesecake? Unlike classic New York cheesecake, Burnt Basque cheesecake isn't smooth or dense; instead, the dessert—baked at a high temperature—is light and scorched and caramelized on the top with a rich, gooey interior.

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