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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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 the two main difference between a traditional cheesecake and a New York cheesecake? ›

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. It also includes extra eggs and egg yolks to provide and smooth consistency.

What does adding an extra egg to cheesecake do? ›

Eggs: Three whole eggs hold the cheesecake together. I also add an extra yolk, which enhances the cake's velvety texture. (Whites tend to lighten the cake, which is actually fine — if you don't feel like separating that fourth egg and don't mind some extra airiness in the texture, just add in the whole egg.)

How is Costco pumpkin cheesecake? ›

Smooth like the smoothest truffle in a chocolate box. It doesn't ooze or feel soggy. It's almost like a tender pumpkin pie with a little cheesecake added in.

What is the difference between NY style cheesecake and Italian 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.

What is the difference between French style cheesecake and regular 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.

How to harden cheesecake? ›

Chill For A Longer Period

No-bake cheesecakes generally need at least 4-6 hours in the refrigerator to set properly. If your filling is still runny after that time, try chilling it for another 2-4 hours.

What happens if you don't put a cheesecake in the fridge? ›

Eggs and milk have high protein and moisture content, and they're the primary ingredients in cheesecake, so when cheesecake is left at room temperature, conditions are ripe for bacteria to multiply. According to the USDA's Food Keeper App, cheesecake should be consumed within 5 to 7 days of refrigeration.

What happens if you don't put flour in cheesecake? ›

Cheesecake recipes that do not contain flour are luxuriously smooth and dense. Eggs are another factor in the texture of your cheesecake. Handled correctly, eggs give cheesecake its structure and silken texture. Their curled-up proteins unfurl and link together when gently heated, transforming from liquid to solid.

What happens if you put cold eggs in a cheesecake? ›

In the case of cheesecakes and other batters with a high fat content, adding cold eggs could re-harden the fat, making the batter appear curdled or lumpy, possibly affecting the texture of the baked product. To avoid this, make sure you use room temperature eggs for baking.

What happens if you don't add egg to cheesecake? ›

The cake will not set properly if there is no egg in the preparation, and you will just have a cream cheese pudding. As delicious as cream cheese pudding sounds, it's actually more like buttercream.

Why does my cheesecake taste like scrambled eggs? ›

Not cooking your cake at the right temp or time; cooking your cake for a longer bake time than needed could make your cake taste eggy. When exposed to consistently high heat for extended periods, the sulphur from the egg whites causes a chemical reaction, resulting in an unpleasant taste. Not ideal!

Why is pumpkin pie so cheap at Costco? ›

How Costco Keeps Its Pumpkin Pie So Cheap. In their book, David and Susan disclose that Costco's pumpkin pies are only semi-homemade, which helps cut down on costs.

Is Costco cheesecake good? ›

The cheesecake had great flavor and texture.

Costco's cheesecake starts with a graham-cracker crust with an ideal texture — not too hard but not too soft that it crumbles.

Is Costco pumpkin pie made with real pumpkin? ›

It sure is! Costco pumpkin pie is made from real pumpkin grown in the U.S.—Illinois, to be exact.

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 New York cheesecake and no bake cheesecake? ›

The differences in ingredients and preparation methods are what create the texture. Both may be smooth and creamy but not in the same way. A baked cheesecake usually has a silky consistency and firmer texture. A no-bake cheesecake will have a lighter, softer, almost fluffy texture, often more like a pudding or mousse.

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 burnt cheesecake and New York 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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