35 Cheesecake Recipes & All The Different Types of Cheesecake Explained

This is the only list you will ever need for the best cheesecake recipes, along with a detailed baking guide on all the different types of cheesecake. I will help you decide which one to make by comparing the different cheesecake types in terms of how they are made and what texture and flavor you can expect. Then, I will list 35 easy-to-make, delicious cheesecake recipes. Which one are you going to try first?

Different Types of Cheesecake

Besides the different flavors of cheesecake (which I will list later), it is essential to understand that there are several different types of cheesecake that originated from specific cities or countries.

Below are 12 common types, a.k.a. “styles” of cheesecake that are defined by method or ingredient choices, rather than by flavor add-ins. I’ve listed the headline technique that makes each one feel and taste distinct. I hope you enjoy learning all about cheesecakes!

Type	How it's made	Texture result
New York style	Contains eggs, extra egg yolk, cream cheese, sugar, and heavy cream (or sour cream). Baked in a water bath at a lower temperature.	Dense, creamy, and smooth with a velvety mouthfeel.
Chicago style	Similar to New York, but with a higher ratio of cream cheese.	Firmer exterior, but softer interior, and very creamy.
Philadelphia style	Similar to New York but uses Philadelphia brand cream cheese.	Dense, creamy, smooth with a velvety mouthfeel.
No bake	Made with only heavy cream, sugar, cream cheese, and gelatin. No eggs, so no baking required, but it needs a crust and time to set in shape in the fridge.	Light, airy, and mousse-like.
Basque/San Sebastian	Crustless, and a very liquid batter, that's baked at a high temperature in a parchment-lined springform. Needs time to cool and set.	Custard-like interior, with heavily caramelized top.
Japanese Soufflé	The batter contains flour, milk, butter, and cream cheese, with whipped egg whites folded in. It is baked in a water bath at a low temperature to maintain structure.	Very light, fluffy, and airy texture with a bouncy top.
Italian ricotta	Ricotta cheese is used as the base and is typically combined with lemon zest, then baked with a cookie, or sometimes pastry crust.	Lighter, with more of a grainy texture due to the ricotta.
German (Käsekuchen)	Uses quark in place of cream cheese, with egg whites whipped separately for more air before baking.	Light and fluffy, less dense than US cheesecakes with a curd-like texture.
Russian	Uses Tvorog, a type of Russian cottage cheese, as a base and often contains less sugar but additional dried fruit before it's baked.	Slightly grainy and dense.
Vegan	Uses plant-based milks and cream cheeses (e.g., cashew, coconut, or oat), or tofu. No eggs, and generally not baked, but can contain agar or other plant-based gelatin.	Generally smooth and silky, although tofu lends a grainier texture. Different flavor profile vs. traditional cream cheese.
Cheesecake mousse	Similar to a no-bake cheesecake, but without gelatin, it is typically assembled and served in a glass or ramekin.	Light, airy, and fluffy, like a mousse, with a creamy mouthfeel.
Savory	Contains no sugar but features additional savory ingredients, such as other cheeses, olives, herbs, and spices.	Creamy and dense (baked) or light and spreadable (no-bake), similar to a dip or pâté.

Now that we covered the main types of cheesecake, let's move on to the best cheesecake recipes.

35 Cheesecake Recipes We Can’t Stop Baking

1. Basque Burnt cheesecake

Not only does Basque cheesecake (or San Sebastian cheesecake) have the most amazing custard-like texture with a caramelized top, but it is one of the easiest cheesecake recipes ever! 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 a crustless cheesecake that requires a very high oven temperature to achieve its iconic burnt top. But be careful not to overbake it; as it will set further as it cools.

2. Japanese Cheesecake

Japanese desserts are among the finest 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 i,t 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.

3. No-Bake Strawberry 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?

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. Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake

Biscoff lovers will be ecstatic to be served this Lotus Biscoff cheesecake! The cream cheese is mixed with Lotus spread for all the flavor you could ever want, and that's magnified with a Biscoff cookie base and more crumbled Biscoff on top.

6. Cheesecake Bites

Who wants their own personal cheesecake? You can have one all to yourself by making these cute and dainty cheesecake bites. You can make them in cupcake cases to set the shape, and then top with fresh fruit for a pop of color and flavor.

7. Pistachio Cheesecake 

If you're a fan of pistachio desserts, you simply must try this cheesecake recipe. It is loaded with real pistachio flavor, and there's no baking involved! I love making it for a dinner party dessert as it looks fantastic, and you can make it in advance.

8. Pumpkin Cheesecake

This is the creamiest no-bake pumpkin cheesecake recipe with a delicious Graham cracker crust and whipped cream cheese frosting. It's perfect for Fall and impressive enough even for Thanksgiving, but unbelievably simple!

9. No-Bake Raspberry Cheesecake

You will love the layer of raspberry compote on top of the rich cream cheese filling in this no-bake cheesecake recipe. The crust is also loaded with freeze-dried raspberries for added berry flavor. It's the perfect raspberry dessert!

10. No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake

If you love Oreo cookies (or know someone who does), this is one of the best cheesecake recipes to make. The base is made from crumbled Oreos mixed with butter, and the cream cheese filling is studded with more cookies for double decadence. It also looks so impressive, and will be the highlight of any dessert table!

11. New York Cheesecake

A classic New York cheesecake is one of the most iconic desserts around. A crisp Graham cracker crust is filled with the creamiest, richest vanilla cheesecake filling with the perfect silky texture and just the right amount of tang. Many cheesecakes out there tend to look dry, which usually means they were overbaked. A proper New York cheesecake should be dense without being airy, but still creamy rather than dry. This recipe strikes that perfect balance; smooth, rich, and velvety with just the right amount of firmness.

12. Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Pecan Pie Cheesecake brings together everything you love about cheesecake and pecan pie. The crisp graham cracker crust holds a creamy vanilla cheesecake filling topped with glossy caramel-coated pecans that add crunch and warmth. It’s a showstopping dessert for Thanksgiving, and beyond.

13. Tiramisu cheesecake

This tiramisu cheesecake is the perfect blend of two iconic desserts. A creamy, rich cheesecake filling sits atop a buttery graham cracker crust, creating the ideal base for the coffee-soaked ladyfingers and silky mascarpone cream that make this dessert so irresistible.

14. Apple Crumb Cheesecake

This Apple Crumble Cheesecake is the perfect mixture of warm cinnamon apples, comforting crumble, and a rich, tangy cheesecake. Cheesecake fans who love the apple season will adore this dessert! It has the most amazing flavor and texture, and it's the perfect treat for Fall that works for any occasion.

15. Chicago Cheesecake

Chicago cheesecake has a higher cream cheese content, resulting in a firmer exterior and a much softer interior, which is a delicious combination. Trust me, everyone will want a second slice. Infused with vanilla and topped with berries, it's a classic for a reason!

16. Philadelphia Cheesecake

Philadelphia is a high-quality brand I use in a lot of my baked goods (like my cream cheese frosting), and I always recommend it! This particular Philadelphia cheesecake recipe on my list is a spiced maple walnut flavor and works particularly well as a holiday season dessert.

17. German Cheesecake (Käsekuchen)

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

Quark is also the base cheese in the recipe, and it is similar to whole milk ricotta, so you can use that as a substitute if needed.

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

18. Savoury Basil Parmesan Cheesecake

A savory twist on cheesecake will dress up your summer cheese course! Mini basil parmesan cheesecakes are perched on a buttery cracker crust and topped with tangy tomato jam. Light, airy, creamy, and slightly salty, they will disappear in a flash at any party.

19. 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!

20. 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!

21. 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. However, thankfully, modern Swedish cheesecake recipes often use cottage cheese instead. Which you will find is much more widely available.

Furthermore, there is no crumb base, and typically, some flour is added for structure. A Swedish cheesecake is quite 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.

22. Chocolate Cheesecake

If you ever wondered how to make cheesecake even more decadent, here's how. This amazing 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.

23. Russian cheesecake (Vatrushka)

Now, Russian cheesecake has a very different taste and texture from the classic cheesecake varieties you might be used to, but try this recipe, you'll surely love it! It's a baked cheesecake made with farmer's cheese (pressed curds), cream of wheat, eggs, yogurt, and raisins.

Raisins or other dried fruits, such as apricots or candied orange peel, bring more sweetness, as they traditionally do not contain a lot of sugar. If you have a Russian grocery store nearby, I highly recommend making this unique cheesecake recipe.

24. Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake

Get that viral taste and texture with a Dubai chocolate-inspired cheesecake recipe! It has a chocolate crust, a crispy pistachio knafeh layer, silky chocolate ganache, and the most delicious pistachio cheesecake filling. Simply put, it has an unreal combination of textures and flavors. 

25. Chocolate Stout Cheesecake

Have you ever baked a dessert with stout (e.g. Guinness)? Trust me, it is worth it even if it sounds odd. The stout gives this cheesecake a deep chocolate flavor. What's more, this rich and creamy chocolate cheesecake features an Oreo cookie crust and a luxurious chocolate ganache topping, as well. Consider this cheesecake your new go-to St. Patrick’s Day dessert!

26. Lemon Coconut Cheesecake

You will love this lemon coconut cheesecake; it is simply irresistible. The coconut crust has an amazing flavor that contrasts perfectly with the lemon cheesecake filling. Then, the meringue kisses on top add the perfect garnish!

27. German Chocolate Cheesecake

Now this German cheesecake is not the cheesecake from Germany, but the cheesecake equivalent of a German cake! Named for Samuel German, the baker who invented it. So there's rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and butterscotch flavor. All in each bite!

28. Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

Love chocolate orange? Try this decadent cheesecake recipe that hits you with rich chocolate flavor, and sweet yet zesty orange flavor all in one. Adding citrus to chocolate really cuts through the richness and makes it sing, so it's well worth trying this flavor combination.

29. Baked Rhubarb Cheesecake

Rhubarb is a natural partner to cheesecake, as it has a very tart flavor which works perfectly with rich cheesecake filling. Rhubarb is actually a vegetable, but it has so much natural sugar that it lends itself more naturally to desserts! If you want the pink color, buy forced rhubarb, which is grown in the dark to produce its vibrant hue.

30. Espresso Cheesecake

Get a coffee hit with a delicous espresso cheesecake full of rich flavor that really brings out the flavor of chocolate in the cookie crumb base, too. Shaved chocolate on top makes it feel almost like a decadent cappuccino!

31. Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

Here's another classic cheesecake recipe that's a twist on a lemon meringue pie. Serve this at a lunch or brunch party for a dessert that is both decadent yet light and refreshing. It also looks visually stunning, with that cloud of torched Swiss meringue piled on top. Who could resist a slice?

32. No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake

If key limes are in season, you simply must make this easy cheesecake recipe. The Graham cracker crust sets in the freezer, so there's no need for the oven. The fluffy filling only needs whipped cream, fresh citrus juice, zest, cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk. The hardest part is leaving it to set overnight in the fridge!

33. Baked Toffee Apple Cheesecake

Get those fairground vibes with a toffee apple cheesecake! You will definitely want to make this cheesecake for Fall parties and events. Delicious apples are blended into the filling as well as the topping, so it's full of apple flavor with an intense hit of toffee, too.

34. Peach Cobbler Cheesecake

If peaches are in season, you undoubtedly must try this cheesecake recipe. The addition of a cobbler topping is genius, and really works with the insanely juicy peaches and rich cheesecake filling. Undoubtedly, it's the one to make next summer!

35. Maple and Pear Cheesecake

A maple and pear cheesecake is all you will need come fall. It has a buttery Biscoff crumb crust, a rich cream cheese filling with maple syrup, and sweet, juicy baked pears on top, sliced and drizzled with syrup. Certainly, this could work as a Thanksgiving dessert.