Best 10 Favorite Cheesecake Recipes

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Cheesecake, a timeless classic and a delightful treat, holds a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide. With its creamy, velvety texture, rich flavor, and endless variations, this versatile confection has captured the imagination of bakers and sweet enthusiasts alike. From traditional New York-style to modern twists with unique flavor combinations and toppings, the realm of cheesecake is vast and filled with endless possibilities. Whether you prefer a classic or a more adventurous take on this beloved dessert, embarking on a culinary journey to find your own "favorite cheesecake" is a rewarding experience.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

FAMILY-FAVORITE CHEESECAKE



Family-Favorite Cheesecake image

This easy cheesecake recipe has been a family favorite for almost 20 years. It's fluffy, delicate and absolutely delicious. I've shared it at many gatherings over the years and have even started baking it for our friends instead of Christmas cookies. -Esther Wappner, Mansfield, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h20m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

2-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 40 squares)
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, melted
FILLING:
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs, separated
TOPPING:
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, sugar and cinnamon; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom and 2 in. up the sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Bake at 350° for 5 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Reduce heat to 325°. , In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add egg yolks; beat on low just until combined. , In a small bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form; fold into cream cheese mixture. Pour over crust., Bake for 1 hour or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate until completely cooled. , Combine the sour cream, sugar and vanilla; fold in whipped cream. Spread over cheesecake. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 414 calories, Fat 23g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 132mg cholesterol, Sodium 269mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (36g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

FAVORITE LEMON MOUSSE CHEESECAKE



Favorite Lemon Mousse Cheesecake image

After having a piece of Lemon Mousse Cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory, I went on a mission to find a similar recipe. This was found on the Food Network website. The recipe is courtesy of Peggy Russell.

Provided by Miss Erin C.

Categories     Cheesecake

Time 1h35m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

18 graham crackers, crushed
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 cup sugar
3 large lemons
24 ounces softened cream cheese
1 1/4 cups sugar
3 -4 large eggs, separated
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup flour
3 -4 large egg yolks, strained through a sieve
1 lemon, zested
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Steps:

  • Adjust oven rack to center position, preheat oven to 325F degrees.
  • Combine grushed graham crackers, melted butter and 1/4 c sugar.
  • Press mixture into the bottom of a 10" springform pan comin up about 1" on the sides.
  • Seal the outside of the pan in foil and set in a baking dish.
  • Add water to the baking dish to come up about 1" on the side.
  • Bake crust for 10 minutes.
  • Zest lemons until you have 1 Tbls of lemon zest.
  • Place zest in a small bowl and set aside.
  • Squeeze the lemons to acquire 3/4 c lemon juice and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese until smooth.
  • Gradually add 1-1/4 cups of sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  • Add egg yolks, flour, lemon juice and zest and beat until smooth.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, whip the egg whites to soft peaks.
  • Add remaining sugar to the egg whites and continue to whip until soft peaks have formed.
  • Fold the egg whites into the lemon batter.
  • Pour batter into the crust.
  • Bake cheesecake until set ans golden, about 55-65 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and cool in the pan on a cooling rack, about 4 hours.
  • Once cooled, refrigerate uncovered until chilled.
  • Add pre-made lemon curd on top of cheesecake.
  • Loosen side with a spatula before unmolding and serve.
  • Lemon Curd---------------.
  • Over medium heat, whisk to combine yolks zest, lemon juice and sugar in a 1 quart saucepan.
  • Cook for approximatley 8 minutes until the mixture thickens and looks smooth.
  • Remove saucepan from heat and add butter, 1 piece at a time with a wooden spoon until it's fully incorporated.
  • Pour mixture into a bowl and put plastic directly on top of the mixture.
  • Let cool on the counter, then refrigerate.

FAVORITE LADYFINGER CHEESECAKE



Favorite Ladyfinger Cheesecake image

Raspberry or cherry pie filling gives a festive appearance to this rich no-bake cheesecake that's perfect for Valentine's Day. "This elegant-looking dessert makes a dramatic presentation," writes Irene Pitzer of Nashville, Tennessee. "Get ready to share the recipe."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 packages (11.1 ounces each) no-bake cheesecake mix
2/3 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
1 package (3 ounces) ladyfingers (25 cookies)
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
3 cups cold 2% milk, divided
1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 can (21 ounces) raspberry pie filling or flavor of your choice

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the contents of crust mix from both packages, butter and sugar. Press onto the bottom of an ungreased 10-in. springform pan. Arrange ladyfingers around edge of pan. , In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup milk until smooth. Gradually beat in remaining milk. Add contents of filling mix from both packages; beat until smooth. Beat on medium for 3 minutes. Fold in whipped topping. , Pour over crust. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Top with pie filling. Remove sides of pan before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 529 calories, Fat 26g fat (17g saturated fat), Cholesterol 85mg cholesterol, Sodium 439mg sodium, Carbohydrate 64g carbohydrate (42g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

MY FAVORITE KEY LIME CHEESECAKE



My Favorite Key Lime Cheesecake image

Make and share this My Favorite Key Lime Cheesecake recipe from Food.com.

Provided by The Spice Guru

Categories     Cheesecake

Time 1h55m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 cups cookie crumbs (use Nilla Wafers only)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
4 (8 ounce) bricks tempered cream cheese (Philadelphia)
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh key lime zest
1 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup real sour cream
1 (5 1/8 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding (Jell-O)
4 eggs
fresh whipped cream
cookie crumbs
finely grated fresh key lime zest
key lime slice (or twist)

Steps:

  • NOTE: A HAND-HELD MIXER WORKS BEST FOR BLENDING THE FILLING, PAUSING AT INTERVALS TO SCRAPE SIDES OF MIXING BOWL. ALLOW A MINIMUM OF 4 HOURS FOR BAKED CHEESECAKE TO REFRIGERATE AND SET BEFORE SERVING. (STEP ONE): TEMPER 32 ounces Philadelphia cream cheese (four 8 ounce bricks) until room temperature is reached (about 1 1/2 hours); GRATE the outer green peel from enough key limes to yield 1/2 teaspoon plus desired amount for final garnish, using the finest shred grate of a cheese grater to produce fine zest flakes; SQUEEZE enough key limes to yield 1 cup juice.
  • PREHEAT oven to 375°F with one oven rack in center position and another in the lowest position; MELT 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a microwaveable dish in a microwave for about 40 seconds for the CRUST; PROCESS enough Nilla Wafers cookies in a food processor to yield 2 cups crumbs; ADD 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; POUR butter mixture through processor feeder tube while running; PROCESS mixture until thoroughly mixed; RESERVE a few teaspoons of crumb mixture for garnish if desired; DUMP crumb mixture into a 9-inch or 10-inch springform pan; LIGHTLY spread mixture evenly into bottom of pan to approximately 1/4 inch thickness, then partway up the sides of pan.
  • BAKE the crust at 375°F on center rack for 5 minutes; REMOVE spring pan from oven and set aside; LEAVE oven on at 375°F.
  • INTO a large mixer bowl add 32 ounces tempered cream cheese, 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, 1/4 cup flour and 1/2 teaspoon fresh Key lime zest; WHIP with mixer on medium speed until blended.
  • POUR in 1 cup freshly squeezed Key lime juice and 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract while mixing on lowest speed; MIX in 1 cup real sour cream; ADD 1 (5.1 ounce) package Jell-0 Vanilla Instant Pudding mix gradually while mixing on highest speed until well blended and lump-free; BEAT 4 eggs in a separate bowl, then add to mixture, beating on lowest speed until blended, without over-mixing or creating air bubbles (pause to scrape sides of bowl if necessary).
  • POUR the cheesecake batter carefully into the springform pan containing crust mixture; SMOOTH mixture in swirls from edges of pan to center until level, using a flexible spatula.
  • BAKE cheesecake at 375°F for 15 minutes; REDUCE oven temperature to 260 F.; CONTINUE baking cheescake for 1 hour for a 10-inch pan, or 1 hour and 7 minutes, for a 9-inch pan.
  • REMOVE cheesecake carefully from oven; GENTLY run a sharp knife around edges of cheesecake in springform pan to loosen; LEAVE cheesecake in springform pan and allow to cool completely on a wire rack; REFRIGERATE cheesecake in the springform pan for at least 4 hours to set; REMOVE side pan carefully.
  • SPRINKLE a light border of cookie crumbs on cheesecake; TOP with a dollop of fresh whipped cream (use a pastry bag with decorator tip); GARNISH each serving with a pinch of finely grated fresh key lime zest and/or a fresh key lime twist if desired.
  • SERVE and ENJOY!

FAVORITE LEMON CHEESECAKE DESSERT



Favorite Lemon Cheesecake Dessert image

Everyone will know spring is here when you serve these yummy, yellow cheesecake squares. Cool and refreshing, this dessert cuts easily and keeps for several days in the refrigerator. -Patty Auxier, Royalton, Kentucky

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 12 servings (2 cups sauce).

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
FILLING:
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1-1/4 cups sugar
1 package (3 ounces) lemon gelatin
1 teaspoon lemon extract
5 eggs, lightly beaten
LEMON SAUCE:
1 package (2.9 ounces) cook-and-serve lemon pudding mix
1/4 cup sugar
2-1/2 cups cold water

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs, sugar and butter. Press onto the bottom and 1 in. up the sides of a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Refrigerate., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add dry gelatin and lemon extract; beat 3 minutes longer. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour into crust. , Bake at 325° for 30-40 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate overnight. , In a small saucepan, combine pudding mix and sugar. Gradually stir in water. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Cook and stir 1-2 minutes longer or until thickened. Transfer to a bowl. Cover surface with waxed paper; refrigerate until chilled. Serve with dessert.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 585 calories, Fat 37g fat (22g saturated fat), Cholesterol 191mg cholesterol, Sodium 442mg sodium, Carbohydrate 54g carbohydrate (43g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 10g protein.

DIANA'S FAVORITE LEMON MOUSSE CHEESECAKE RECIPE



Diana's Favorite Lemon Mousse Cheesecake Recipe image

Provided by BobLongo

Number Of Ingredients 16

18 graham crackers crushed
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 cup sugar, plus 1 1/4 cups sugar, plus 1/4
cup sugar
3 large lemons
4 eggs, separated
24 ounces softened cream cheese, three 8-
ounce packages
1/3 cup flour
Lemon Curd, recipe follows
3 extra-large or 4 regular egg yolks, strained
through a sieve
1 lemon, zested
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Steps:

  • Total: 1 hr 39 min Prep: 35 min Inactive: 4 min Cook: 1 hr Yield: 12 servings Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter and 1/4 cup sugar. Press graham cracker crust in the bottom of a 10-inch springform pan coming up about 1-inch on the sides. Seal the outside of the pan with foil and set in a baking dish. Add water to the baking dish to come 1-inch up the sides. Bake crust for 10 minutes. Zest lemons until you have 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Place zest in a small bowl and set aside. Squeeze the lemons to acquire 3/4 cup lemon juice and set aside. In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, with paddle, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add egg yolks, flour, lemon juice, and zest and beat until smooth. In a separate mixing bowl, whip the egg whites to soft peaks. Add remaining sugar to the egg whites and continue to whip until stiff peaks have formed. Fold the egg whites into the lemon batter. Pour batter into the crust. Bake cheesecake until set and golden, about 55 to 65 minutes. Remove from oven and cool in the pan on a cooling rack, about 4 hours. Once cooled, refrigerate uncovered until chilled. Add pre-made Lemon Curd on top of cheesecake. Loosen sides with a cake spatula before unmolding and serve. Lemon Curd: Over medium heat whisk to combine yolks, zest, lemon juice and sugar in a 1 quart saucepan. Cook for approximately 8 minutes until the mixture thickens and looks smooth. Remove saucepan from heat and add butter, one piece at a time with a wooden spoon until it is fully incorporated. Pour mixture into a bowl and put plastic directly on top of mixture. Let cool on counter then refrigerate

MY FAVORITE CHEESECAKE



My Favorite Cheesecake image

This is the most delicious cheesecake that I have ever made. Everyone who has a piece asks for the recipe. I can honestly say that it is a slice of heaven and so easy to make.

Provided by Spamster

Categories     Cheesecake

Time 1h15m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
4 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sugar
16 ounces sour cream
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Steps:

  • In a bowl, mix crumbs, butter, sugar and salt. Press to the bottom of a 9 1/2 inch spring form pan.
  • In a bowl with an electric mixer beat cream cheese until fluffy and add eggs a little at a time. Beat in sugar and vanilla on low speed until just combined. Pour filling into crust and bake at 350 F in the middle of oven for 45 minutes. Transfer cake to pan rack and let stand for 5 minutes. Leave oven on.
  • In a bowl stir together sour cream, sugar, and vanilla. Drop by spoonfuls on top of cheesecake and spread evenly. Bake an additional 10 minutes. Transfer cake to cooling rack and cool completely. Chill cake overnight covered.
  • Let cheesecake stand for 30 minutes before serving with your favorite topping.

FAVORITE LEMON CHEESECAKE



Favorite Lemon Cheesecake image

A homemade chocolate crush complements the light lemon flavor of this delectable little dessert from Cathy Chan of Calgary, Alberta. "One of my friends gave me the recipe, which is perfect for birthday dinners, anniversaries...just about any occasion," she relates.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h

Yield 2-4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup crushed chocolate wafers
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the wafer crumbs and butter. Press onto the bottom of a greased 6-in. springform pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 7-8 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the sour cream, lemon juice, flour, lemon peel and vanilla. Add egg; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust., Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until center is almost set. Cook on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. , Chill for 8 hours or overnight. Remove sides of pan. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts :

FAVORITE MARBLED CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE BARS



Favorite Marbled Chocolate Cheesecake Bars image

Chocolate and cream cheese are swirled in these yummy bars to create a sensation that's sure to please your sweet tooth...and fool it at the same time! This dessert tastes so rich, it's hard to believe it's low in fat. -Jean Komlos of Plymouth, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Yield about 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 16

3/4 cup water
1/3 cup butter
1-1/2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 large egg white
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
CREAM CHEESE MIXTURE:
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese
1/3 cup sugar
1 large egg white
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, combine the water, butter and chocolate. Cook and stir over low heat until melted; stir until smooth. Cool., In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Beat in the egg, egg white and sour cream on low speed just until combined. Beat in chocolate mixture until smooth. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg white and vanilla until smooth; set aside., Spread chocolate batter into a 15x10x1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Drop the cream cheese mixture by tablespoonfuls over batter; cut through batter with a knife to swirl. Sprinkle with chocolate chips., Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 95 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 90mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.

FAVORITE CHEESECAKE



Favorite Cheesecake image

No one can resist the smooth, creamy texture of this classic cheesecake. Whether topped with berries or enjoyed as is, it's a favorite way to celebrate any occasion.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 16 squares)
3 tablespoons Domino® or C&H® Pure Cane Granulated Sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
FILLING:
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups Domino® or C&H® Pure Cane Powdered Sugar
2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom and 1 in. up the sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan; set aside., In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla; beat well. Add eggs, beat on low speed just until combined. Pour into crust. Place pan on baking sheet. , Bake at 325° for 45-50 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan. Refrigerate any leftover cheesecake.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the cheesecake will taste. Use full-fat cream cheese, real butter, and fresh eggs.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature. This will help it mix smoothly with the other ingredients. If the cream cheese is too cold, it will be difficult to mix and may cause the cheesecake to curdle.
  • Don't overbeat the batter. Overbeating the batter can cause the cheesecake to be dense and crumbly. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined.
  • Bake the cheesecake in a water bath. This will help prevent the cheesecake from cracking. Place the cheesecake pan in a larger pan filled with hot water. The water should come halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
  • Chill the cheesecake thoroughly before serving. This will help the cheesecake set and firm up. Chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Conclusion:

Cheesecake is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With so many different recipes to choose from, there's sure to be a cheesecake that everyone will love. Whether you're looking for a classic New York-style cheesecake or something more unique, like a chocolate cheesecake or a fruit cheesecake, you're sure to find a recipe that you'll enjoy. So next time you're looking for a special dessert, give cheesecake a try. You won't be disappointed!

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