16 Different Types of Cheesecake

When it comes to different types of cheesecake, you have more options than you might think. And if you love this rich and tangy treat, then you've come to the right place. I've compiled a list of the best cheesecake varieties that are all reliable recipes you can make at home.

Jump to:

• What is cheesecake?
• Different Types of Cheesecake
• 1. Basque Burnt cheesecake
• 2. No-Bake Cheesecake
• 3. Japanese Cheesecake
• 4. Baklava Cheesecake
• 5. Cheesecake Cake
• 6. Cheesecake Cookies
• 7. New York Cheesecake
• 8. Chicago Cheesecake
• 9. Philadelphia Cheesecake
• 10. German Cheesecake (Käsekuchen)
• 11. Savory Cheesecake
• 12. Ricotta Cheesecake
• 13. Vegan Cheesecake
• 14. Swedish Cheesecake (Ostkaka)
• 15. Chocolate Cheesecake
• 16. Russian cheesecake (Vatrushka)
• Cheesecakes FAQs
• Related Cheesecake Recipes
• 16 Different Types of Cheesecake

What is cheesecake?

Cheesecakes are (usually) sweet desserts that contain ingredients like mascarpone cheese, ricotta cheese, or cream cheese on a sweet crunchy crust. This provides a gloriously rich, smooth, tangy, sweet (with a hint of savory) result. Different combinations of types of cheese and other ingredients like fruit change the flavor profile of the cheesecake and allow for endless possibilities in terms of taste, texture, and preparation time.

Different Types of Cheesecake

As well as different flavors of cheesecake, there are a few different types of cheesecake that originate from certain cities or countries.

So get ready to try one (or all!) of these different types of cheesecake recipes and pick your favorite. Let me know what you choose!

1. Basque Burnt cheesecake

Basque cheesecake (or San Sebastian cheesecake) has the most amazing custard-like texture with a caramelized top, and my recipe doesn't require a water bath! The signature glossy 'burnt' top (better to call it caramelized) is sure to get mouths watering around the dessert table and everyone always asks for seconds.

Basque Burnt cheesecake is crustless cheesecake and needs a very high oven temperature to achieve the iconic burnt top. But be careful not to overbake it, it will set further as it cools.

2. No-Bake Cheesecake

Whilst a baked cheesecake contains eggs and is often cooked in a water bath, a no-bake cheesecake does not require an oven and instead just needs some time in the fridge to chill down and set into its cake shape. Simply make the Graham cracker crust, pour the filling on top, and wait! Then you slice up and serve - what could be easier?

There are so many types of no-bake cheesecake recipes to try, Strawberry is the most common one but my No bake Oreo cheese cake and No Bake Pistachio Cheesecake are always a crowd-pleaser as well and they are such simple desserts to make. You can play with an endless amount of flavor combinations and make one to suit all tastes!

3. Japanese Cheesecake

Japan has some of the best desserts in the world. Japanese cheesecake is also known as a soufflé-style cheesecake, or sometimes Japanese cotton cheesecake due to its unbelievably light and airy texture. Whilst there are a few steps to making it and you'll need a water bath, it is 100% worth the effort.

And if you love jiggly cheesecake then try Mochi donuts and Hokkaido baked cheese tarts for more delicious Japanese treats.

4. Baklava Cheesecake

Imagine the crisp crunch of phyllo pastry (filo pastry), nuts, and honey against creamy and thick cream cheese filling. Sound like heaven? You'll want to try this. My readers make it again and again and it is much easier than it looks!

Layers of phyllo and crunchy walnuts are placed in a cake tin before an easy cream cheese filling is poured on top. It's super luxurious with a mild and delicate floral aftertaste from added rosewater syrup and is certainly a must-try recipe for baklava and cheesecake lovers.

5. Cheesecake Cake

The combination of moist sponge cake layered with cream cheese mousse filling means one thing: pure decadence. Red velvet is the perfect companion for cream cheese desserts, so a red velvet cheesecake cake is a no-brainer. A showstopper dessert for any time of the year.

Try this different kind of cheesecake and see what you think! I love the combination of textures and think you will too.

6. Cheesecake Cookies

Love cheesecake and love cookies? There's no longer any need to choose between the two. My raspberry cheesecake cookies have everything you could want from both desserts in every single bite.

Cookie batter is wrapped around frozen cheesecake disks and baked to crunchy yet gooey, sweet yet tangy perfection. Freeze-dried raspberries are the finishing touch, and trust me, you don't want to miss them out.

And whilst it might seem complicated, this cookie cheesecake recipe is actually very easy to make!

7. New York Cheesecake

Dense, rich, and creamy, there's a reason why New York style cheesecake is so famous. Extra egg yolk plus cream cheese and heavy cream or sour cream is what gives it the signature taste, silky smooth texture, and extra tangy taste. Plus, a thick Graham crackers crust contrasts beautifully with the filling.

They are often vanilla flavor to let the creamy cheesecake taste shine, but often a compote or fresh fruit will be served on top. Would a cheesecake New York style get your vote?

8. Chicago Cheesecake

Well, Chicago does have their own pizza, so why not their own cheesecake too? The main difference between New York style cheesecake and Chicago style cheesecake is the amount of cream cheese in the recipe. Chicago cheesecake has more cream cheese, and this results in a firmer exterior but a much softer interior, which is a delicious combination!

I suggest you try it and see which one of these different types of cheesecake you prefer. Will you side with New York or Chicago?

9. Philadelphia Cheesecake

You'd be forgiven for thinking that Philadelphia cheesecake, like New York cheesecake, originates from the city in the US. But a Philadelphia style cheesecake is actually a type of cheesecake made with the famous cream cheese brand! Which is a high-quality brand I use in a lot of my baked goods (like my cream cheese frosting) and always recommend.

This particular Philadelphia cheesecake recipe on my list is a spiced maple walnut flavor and works particularly well as a holiday season dessert.

10. German Cheesecake (Käsekuchen)

The German method of making cheesecake involves separating the eggs and folding whipped egg whites into the batter, which results in a lighter, fluffier texture compared to American cheesecake recipes.

Quark is also the base cheese - which might surprise you! If you haven't seen quark in grocery stores, it is similar to whole milk ricotta, so you can use this as a substitute if needed.

The cloud-like texture of German cheesecake is well worth trying, trust me!

11. Savory Cheesecake

It has a cracker crust, it has a tangy cream cheese filling, but unbelievably it's not a dessert! This type of cheesecake is savory, and it's certainly one of the more unusual cheesecake recipes. Butternut and pumpkin cheesecake with a crispy cumin crust might sound unorthodox but trust me, it is delicious.

Surprise your dinner guests with a savory cheesecake and watch them turn into converts; they'll all want to make it!

What's more, it doesn't require a water bath which makes it so simple. You can make savory cheesecakes with different kinds of cheese including feta, parmesan, and ricotta and the topping ideas are endless.

12. Ricotta Cheesecake

You'll love this light and fluffy cheesecake variety made with ricotta instead of cream cheese. Ricotta has a fresh taste and ricotta cheesecake is much less dense than other types of cheesecake which makes it an ideal dessert to balance a heavy meal.

Ricotta is a great baking ingredient, it's mild with an acidity that will balance any sugar content. Try my creamy Sicilian ricotta pie to use it again!

13. Vegan Cheesecake

If you thought you couldn't make cheesecake without cheese, you'd be wrong. Of all the different types of cheesecake, this is the most surprising! Cashew nuts take center stage in this vegan cream cheese filling and the result is a rich and creamy plant-based dessert that would be perfect for Thanksgiving. Who wouldn't love a pecan caramel cheesecake?

The crunchy pecan caramel topping is also unbelievably good, you'll want to put it on everything!

14. Swedish Cheesecake (Ostkaka)

To make an authentic Swedish cheesecake (first made in the 16th century!) you'll have to go and buy some rennet and make milk curds from scratch. But thankfully, modern Swedish cheesecake recipes use cottage cheese instead! Which you will find is much more widely available.

Furthermore, there is no crumb base, and usually some kind of flour for added structure. So a Swedish cheesecake is very different from classic cheesecake recipes. As they are less sweet, you'll usually find them topped with fresh fruit or preserves depending on the season.

I love Swedish cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries, it's one of my favorite Spring desserts.

15. Chocolate Cheesecake

If you ever wondered how to make cheesecake even more decadent, here's how. This type of cheesecake just serves chocolate on chocolate on chocolate! Is there anything better? There's a chocolate cookie crust, then a creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, a layer of chocolate ganache topping, and finally, shaved chocolate.

Surely a slice of this cheesecake is irresistible? I'm sure you'll agree that this type of cheesecake is certainly a showstopper to satisfy any chocoholic.

16. Russian cheesecake (Vatrushka)

Now, Russian cheesecake has a very different taste and texture from the classic cheesecake varieties you might be used to. It's a baked cheesecake made with farmer's cheese (pressed curds), cream of wheat, eggs, yogurt, and raisins. Furthermore, it has no base. You'll find it commonly served for breakfast or as an afternoon snack and it's really tasty!

Raisins or other dried fruit like apricots or candied orange peel bring more sweetness, as it traditionally does not contain a lot of sugar. If you have a Russian grocery store near you, I'd highly recommend making this unique cheesecake recipe.

Cheesecakes FAQs

Related Cheesecake Recipes

Try these other easy cheesecake recipes with trustworthy step-by-step directions and all my best baking tips. Not a cracked top in sight!