27 Cheesecake Recipes for Every Skill Level

Our list of best cheesecake recipes includes a few no-bake options, too.

Classic Cheesecake
Photo:

Brie Goldman

Cheesecake is a winner. The combination of a buttery graham cracker 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.

But why stop there? We have all kinds of delicious variations of the classic cheesecake recipe. Even our no-bake versions are not to be missed. They're crowd-pleasing desserts you can make any time of the year, and you can serve it sliced as is, or top it with a handful of fresh berries for a pop of color and contrasting flavor.

01 of 27

No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake

no-bake ricotta blueberry cheesecake
Alpha Smoot

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.

02 of 27

Sernik (Polish-Style Cheesecake)

Mrs. Kostyra's Country Cheesecake

Bryan Gardner

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's 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.

03 of 27

Triple-Chocolate Cheesecake

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David Loftus

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.

04 of 27

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Squares

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Bryan Gardner

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.

05 of 27

No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake

no-bake key lime cheesecake
Armando Rafael

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

06 of 27

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Jason Donnelly

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.

07 of 27

Lucinda's New York-Style Cheesecake

New York Style Cheesecake
Bryan Gardner

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.

08 of 27

No-Bake Cheesecake

no-bake cheesecake
Andrea Araiza

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.

09 of 27

Instant Pot Cheesecake

pressure cooker cheesecake with fruit topping
Bryan Gardner

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.

10 of 27

Classic Cheesecake

Classic Cheesecake

Brie Goldman

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.

11 of 27

Ricotta Cheesecake

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

12 of 27

Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites

Pumpkin Cheesecake Crunch Bites
Mike Krautter

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.

13 of 27

Apricot Cheesecake Tart

apricot cheesecake tart martha bakes patterned
Mike Krautter

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

14 of 27

Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake

round cranberry cheesecake with slice cut
Justin Walker

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

15 of 27

Margarita Cheesecake

margarita cheesecake
Con Poulos

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

16 of 27

Cheesecake Babka

cheesecake babka loaf on cutting board
Mike Krautter

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.

17 of 27

Pumpkin Mousse Cheesecake

Pumpkin Mousse Cheesecake

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.

18 of 27

Strawberries and Cream Cheesecake

strawberry cheesecake
Beatriz Da Costa

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.

19 of 27

Pumpkin-Cheesecake Pie With Gingersnap Crust

Pumpkin-Cheesecake Pie with Gingersnap Crust
Kate Mathis

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.

20 of 27

No-Bake Cheesecake With Gingersnap Crust

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

21 of 27

Cherry-Cheesecake Celebration Bombe

cherry-cheesecake celebration bombe atop cake stand
Con Poulos

For a true masterpiece, look no further. Even though it's a lengthy process, your family and guests will love this four-layer dessert: no-bake cheesecake batter, cookie and freeze-dried cherry crumbs, cherry-infused ice cream, and a pillowy sponge cake will turn this cake into a summer celebration. We promise it'll be worth your time!

22 of 27

No-Bake Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake

No-Cook Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake
Andrew Purcell

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.

23 of 27

Rhubarb Raspberry Cheesecake Squares

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Con Poulos

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.

24 of 27

Maple Cheesecake With Roasted Pears

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

25 of 27

Gingerbread Cheesecake

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Sang An

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

26 of 27

No-Bake Spiderweb Cheesecake

No-Bake Spiderweb Cheesecake

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

27 of 27

Elizabeth's Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

eggnog cheesecake bars

Infuse your cheesecake with one of the holiday season's best: eggnog. A thick, dense crust creates the perfect balance with the silky, creamy cheesecake, which is spiked with brandy and dusted with fresh nutmeg on top for the ultimate holiday vibe.

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