12 Creative Cheesecake Recipes for a Sweet Twist

Let's just say your taste buds are in for a "treat". You're about to discover 12 creative cheesecake recipes. They're unique, rich, and perfect for you. Want to know what's in store?

1. Strawberry Basil Cheesecake Recipe

A rejuvenating summer dessert combining sweet strawberries and fragrant basil.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup hulled and sliced strawberries
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and prepare a springform pan.
2. Mix crust ingredients and press into the prepared pan.
3. Bake crust for 10 minutes and let cool.
4. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs one at a time.
5. Mix in sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
6. Stir in sliced strawberries and chopped basil.
7. Pour filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top.
8. Bake cheesecake for 55-60 minutes or until the edges are set.
9. Let cheesecake cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
10. Release springform pan sides and slice to serve.

2. S'mores Cheesecake Bars

Rich, chocolatey, and gooey s'mores cheesecake bars perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 12 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup marshmallows

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter to form the crust.
3. Press the crust mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
4. Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Stir in sour cream and chocolate chips.
6. Pour the cheesecake batter over the baked crust and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set.
8. Top with marshmallows and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
10. Serve and enjoy.

3. Lemon Lavender Panna Cotta Cheesecake

Lemon lavender panna cotta cheesecake is a creamy and invigorating dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
• 2 lemons, zested and juiced

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing the graham cracker crumbs and sugar, then stirring in the melted butter.
3. Press the crust mixture into a 9-inch springform pan.
4. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, then set aside to cool.
5. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the eggs one at a time.
6. Add the granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
7. Stir in the dried lavender buds and lemon zest.
8. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan over the crust.
9. Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes, then set aside to cool.
10. Once the cheesecake has cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours.
11. To make the panna cotta topping, mix the sour cream, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl.
12. Spread the panna cotta topping over the cooled cheesecake.
13. Refrigerate the cheesecake for an additional 30 minutes to set the topping.
14. Release the springform pan sides and slice the cheesecake to serve.

4. Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Rich, fudgy brownies meet creamy cheesecake in this red velvet dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Beat in the red food coloring and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
7. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake batter onto the brownie batter, then use a knife or spatula to swirl the two batters together.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.
10. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

5. Espresso Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

Rich mocha flavors blend in this decadent Espresso Chocolate Chip Cheesecake.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and prepare a springform pan.
2. Mix crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then press into the pan.
3. Bake crust for 10 minutes, then let cool.
4. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs one at a time.
5. Mix in sugar, vanilla, and sour cream.
6. Stir in chocolate chips and espresso powder.
7. Pour batter into the cooled crust and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until edges are set.
9. Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
10. Release springform and slice to serve.

6. Raspberry White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake

Raspberry White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake is a decadent dessert combining fresh raspberries and white chocolate.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 pounds cream cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup fresh raspberries

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and prepare a springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the crust ingredients and press into the pan, baking for 10 minutes.
3. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Add sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
5. Melt the white chocolate and fold into the cheesecake mixture.
6. Pour the mixture into the crust and bake for 50-60 minutes.
7. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before topping with a raspberry white chocolate mousse.
8. To make the mousse, whip heavy cream and fold in melted white chocolate and fresh raspberries.
9. Top the cheesecake with the mousse and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

7. Caramel Pecan Turtle Cheesecake

Rich caramel and crunchy pecans create a decadent cheesecake.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 pounds cream cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
3. Press the crust mixture into a 9-inch springform pan.
4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes and let it cool.
5. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs one at a time.
6. Add granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
7. Pour the cheesecake batter into the cooled crust.
8. Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes or until the edges are set.
9. Drizzle caramel sauce over the cheesecake and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
10. Melt the chocolate chips and drizzle over the cheesecake.
11. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours before serving.

8. Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars

Vibrant orange flavors blended into a creamy cheesecake bar dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing crumbs and sugar, then stirring in melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the crust mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
4. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add granulated sugar, sour cream, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract, beating until combined.
6. Pour the cheesecake batter over the baked crust and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
8. Let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
9. Cut into bars and serve chilled.

9. Peach Cobbler Cheesecake

Indulge in a Peach Cobbler Cheesecake, combining creamy cheesecake with warm peach cobbler.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 pounds cream cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup peach filling
• 1 cup peach cobbler topping

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter to create the crust.
3. Press crust mixture into the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
4. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs one at a time.
5. Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
6. Pour cheesecake batter into the crust and bake for 50 minutes.
7. Top with peach filling and peach cobbler topping.
8. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
9. Allow the cheesecake to cool before serving.

10. Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake is a rejuvenating dessert perfect for warm weather.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped peppermint candies

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Mix crust ingredients and press into the pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in sour cream, peppermint extract, and melted chocolate.
5. Pour the batter into the crust and bake for 50-60 minutes.
6. Let the cheesecake cool completely before refrigerating.
7. Melt additional chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled cheesecake.
8. Sprinkle chopped peppermint candies over the top of the cheesecake.

11. Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake

Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake is a creative twist on a classic dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pineapple rings
• 1/4 cup cherry juice
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and sugar, then stir in the melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the crumb mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Gradually add the granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
6. Arrange the pineapple rings on top of the cheesecake crust, then pour the cheesecake batter over the pineapple.
7. Drizzle the cherry juice over the cheesecake batter, then sprinkle with chopped pecans.
8. Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
9. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
10. Once cooled, invert the cheesecake onto a plate and serve.

12. Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Indulge in a rich Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup diced apples
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter to create the crust.
3. Press the crust mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
4. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the eggs one at a time.
5. Mix in the granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
6. Stir in the diced apples and pour the batter into the prepared pan.
7. Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes or until the edges are set.
8. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cheesecake and sprinkle with pecans and sea salt.
9. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
10. Release the springform pan sides and slice the cheesecake to serve.

Conclusion

You'll love these creative cheesecake recipes. With over 75% of Americans craving unique desserts, it's no surprise that cheesecakes are a top choice. Try one of these 12 recipes, like Strawberry Basil or Espresso Chocolate Chip, to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress friends with your culinary skills.