When the holiday season rolls around, nothing ends a feast quite like a slice of creamy cheesecake. Rich, smooth, and scrumptious, these decadent desserts are the perfect way to celebrate. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these 13 festive cheesecake recipes promise to sweeten the holiday spirit. Let’s dive into these delightful desserts!
1. Classic New York Cheesecake
This rich and creamy cheesecake is a holiday staple, sure to impress everyone who tries it.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix crumbs, sugar, and butter; press into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time.
- Pour over crust and bake for 1 hour. Let cool before serving.
Make it Unique:
Add lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
2. Peppermint Bark Cheesecake
Indulge in the taste of the season with this delightful peppermint treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 large eggs
- Crushed candy canes for topping
Process:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine cookie crumbs and butter and press into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in peppermint extract and eggs.
- Pour the mixture onto the crust and bake for 50 minutes. Top with crushed candy canes.
Make it Unique:
Drizzle with bittersweet chocolate sauce for added flavor.
3. Eggnog Cheesecake
This cheesecake captures the creamy essence of eggnog in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup eggnog
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine crumbs, sugar, and butter; press into a springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla, nutmeg, eggs, and eggnog, mixing well.
- Pour into crust and bake for 1 hour. Cool before serving.
Make it Unique:
Serve with whipped cream and extra nutmeg for an attractive finish.
4. Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake
Rich chocolate and toasted hazelnuts make this a holiday favorite!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups crushed hazelnut cookies
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup Nutella
- 3 large eggs
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Mix cookie crumbs and butter; press into a springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in Nutella and eggs.
- Pour into crust and bake for 50 minutes. Chill before serving.
Make it Unique:
Add a layer of ganache on top for extra richness.
5. Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake
This cheesecake brings the flavors of pumpkin spice to your holiday table.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 3 large eggs
Process:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine crumbs, sugar, and butter; press into the pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, spice, and eggs, mixing until combined.
- Pour into crust, bake for 1 hour. Cool completely before serving.
Make it Unique:
Top with candied pecans for added texture.
6. Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake
A visually stunning dessert, bursting with berry flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup raspberry puree
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine crumbs, sugar, and butter; press into a springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one by one.
- Pour half the batter, drizzle raspberry puree, then the other half. Swirl gently and bake for 50 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Use mixed berry puree for a colorful twist.
7. Salted Caramel Cheesecake
This cheesecake is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
- 3 large eggs
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix crumbs, sugar, and butter; press into the bottom of the springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in caramel sauce and eggs.
- Pour into crust and bake for 50 minutes. Let cool before drizzling with more caramel sauce.
Make it Unique:
Top with chocolate-covered pretzels for crunch.
8. White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake
A festive favorite that combines tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 ounces white chocolate, melted
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 3 large eggs
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine crumbs, sugar, and butter; press into springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Mix in melted white chocolate and eggs.
- Stir in cranberries lightly, pour into crust, and bake for 50 minutes. Chill before serving.
Make it Unique:
Use dried cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available.
9. Almond Joy Cheesecake
This cheesecake combines chocolate, almond, and coconut for a deliciously unique treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 3 large eggs
- Whole almonds for topping
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Mix cookie crumbs and butter; press into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in coconut and eggs.
- Pour into crust and bake for 50 minutes. Cool and top with almonds.
Make it Unique:
Drizzle with chocolate sauce for extra sweetness.
10. S’mores Cheesecake
Bring the campfire favorite indoors with this delightful cheesecake.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine crumbs, sugar, and butter; press into a springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, mix in marshmallow fluff and eggs.
- Pour into crust, sprinkle chocolate chips, and bake for 50 minutes. Cool before serving.
Make it Unique:
Top with toasted mini marshmallows for fun.
11. Maple Pecan Cheesecake
The flavors of fall shine in this delightful cheesecake.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix crumbs, sugar, and butter; press into springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Blend in maple syrup, eggs, and pecans.
- Pour into crust and bake for 55 minutes. Cool before topping with more pecans and syrup.
Make it Unique:
Use walnuts in place of pecans for a different flavor.
12. Tiramisu Cheesecake
Combine two dessert favorites in one delightful treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed ladyfingers
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 3 large eggs
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix ladyfinger crumbs, sugar, and butter; press into the springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugars until smooth. Mix in mascarpone, coffee, and eggs.
- Pour into crust and bake for 50–55 minutes. Cool completely before dusting with cocoa.
Make it Unique:
Serve with espresso-soaked ladyfingers on top.
13. Mocha Cheesecake
This rich mocha cheesecake is perfect for coffee lovers!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 3 large eggs
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Mix cookie crumbs and sugar; press into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, adding coffee and eggs.
- Pour into the crust and bake for 50 minutes. Cool before slicing.
Make it Unique:
Top with whipped cream and chocolate curls for presentation.
As you savor these delightful cheesecakes, don’t be surprised if they become the highlight of your holiday gatherings! Each recipe offers its own unique twist on the classic cheesecake, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So gather your ingredients, get baking, and spread the sweetness this holiday season!