These Christmas cheesecake recipes guarantee you'll have a sweet, creamy showstopper on your holiday table.
1/24
Red Velvet Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Festive and oh, so good, this cheesecake will become a fixture on your Christmas dessert menu. The red velvet filling is spiked with cocoa, topped with cream cheese frosting and baked in a chocolate cookie crumb crust. —Karen Dively, Chapin, South Carolina
2/24
Baklava Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
With sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs, my unique baklava cheesecake makes a grand display for office parties and other special events. It's my go-to Christmas cheesecake. —Aryanna Gamble, New Orleans, Louisiana
3/24
Cranberry Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Every year when the cranberries are harvested, my family looks forward to eating this cheesecake. —Nairda Monroe, Webberville, Michigan
4/24
Peppermint Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
People are thrilled when they see me coming with this rich, smooth Christmas cheesecake—it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Not only does it look sensational, but it is so scrumptious. —Carrie Price, Ottawa, Illinois
5/24
Snickerdoodle Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
My maternal grandmother preferred sewing and quilting to cooking and baking, but there were some things that she cooked and baked really well. She was the only person I knew who made snickerdoodles—simple but yummy cookies that I've always enjoyed. Since cheesecake is my very favorite dessert, I couldn't resist coming up with one that re-creates those flavors. I think of my grandmother each time I make it! Sometimes I'll drizzle the slices with maple syrup. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
6/24
Caramel Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
The gooey caramel on top really makes this cheesecake. It's definitely a family favorite. —Rena Fields, Sackets Harbor, New York
7/24
RumChata Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to experiment and make new and unusual-flavored cheesecakes. When I tried RumChata at a friend's party, I knew it would make a great cheesecake. For a pretty presentation, drizzle it with caramel syrup or topping, or sprinkle on some toasted coconut. —Christine Talley, Hillsboro, Missouri
Learn to make delicious caramel syrup at home.
8/24
Ricotta Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
I reconstructed this dessert based on an old recipe that had been in the family for years but was never written down. The subtle cinnamon flavor of the zwieback crust and the dense texture of the ricotta cheese are reminiscent of the cheesecake I enjoyed as a child. —Mary Beth Jung, Hendersonville, North Carolina
9/24
Mint Chocolate Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this mint chocolate cheesecake for our high school’s annual fundraiser. We were told that it brought a hefty price and was one of the first desserts to go! If desired, you can stir the cookie pieces into the batter instead of adding them in a layer. Keep the pieces fairly small; if they’re too large, they have a tendency to rise to the top. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
10/24
Eggnog Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
I make good use of extra eggnog by creating this luscious cheesecake. A bit of rum extract adds a special taste. —Kristen Grula, Hazleton, Pennsylvania
11/24
Pistachio Cardamom Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Cardamom has a sweet and warm taste that makes you think of clove, allspice and pepper all wrapped in one spice. Mix it with pistachios and add it to cheesecake for a dessert that suggests the exotic flavors of India. —Carolyn Harkonnen, Loomis, California
12/24
Mocha Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
In my search for the perfect mocha cheesecake, I ended up combining a few of my favorite recipes to create this delicious version. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
13/24
Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
I've passed this recipe on to dozens of folks. My daughter was so fond of it that she served it for her wedding instead of traditional cake. —Howard Koch, Lima, Ohio
14/24
Mudslide Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Change up cheesecakes with different liqueur flavorings. This “mudslide” version with coffee and Irish cream is my husband's favorite. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
15/24
Coffee Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Coffee lovers will line up for this rich coffee cheesecake. It’s creamy and just mildly sweet, which allows the coffee flavor to shine through. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
16/24
Amaretto Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Sometimes the best-loved recipes are the most basic. Just ask my family who raves over this classic amaretto cheesecake. It's rich, creamy and versatile to boot! —Barbara Caine, Sussex, New Jersey
17/24
Lemon Dream Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Light and creamy, this lemon cheesecake recipe is just the thing for a spring or summer day. —Bonnie Jost, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
18/24
Chocolate-Glazed Coconut Almond Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
My idea was to make a cheesecake taste like my favorite candy bar, which has chocolate, coconut and almonds. This cheesecake also works in bite-sized portions. Use a mini muffin pan with muffin liners, fill three-fourths full and bake 15-17 minutes. Allow the mini muffins to sit and cool completely before topping with chocolate, coconut and almonds. —Keri Brammer, Lawton, Oklahoma
19/24
Cherry Fudge Truffle Coconut Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Cherries and chocolate come together in this dazzling coconut cheesecake. It's a holiday showstopper! —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
20/24
White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
As a dairy farmer’s wife, I have experience making cheesecake. In fact, most anything containing milk products is tasty in my book. If I’m out of cream cheese, it’s time to go to the grocery store! —Wendy Barkman, Breezewood, Pennsylvania
21/24
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
This Kentucky bourbon pecan cheesecake will wow your guests and your taste buds. Serve it in spring during the Kentucky Derby or at any other special occasion throughout the year. —Rashanda Cobbins, Aurora, Colorado
22/24
Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
An attractive topping of cinnamon-spiced apple slices and a homemade oat-and-walnut crust make this creamy dessert a definite showstopper. —Emily Ann Young, Edmond, Oklahoma
23/24
Holiday Sweet Potato Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Family and friends can’t seem to get enough of this deliciously different cheesecake that combines my two favorite desserts—sweet potato pie and cheesecake. I think the dessert tastes best if made 24 to 48 hours prior to serving. —Melanie Bauder, Manlius, New York
24/24
Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Searching for a dessert superstar? This chocolate swirl cheesecake is the one that people ask for again and again. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Christmas Cheesecake Recipes FAQ
What are some festive toppings for holiday cheesecake recipes?
Festive toppings for holiday cheesecake recipes include bright cranberry compote, spiced pecans, crushed peppermint candy and chocolate ganache. These seasonal finishes add a major boost to the flavor and beauty of these rich Christmas cheesecake ideas. You can always go the classic route of fresh strawberries or a quick caramel sauce if you’re pressed for time.
Can you make cheesecake ahead of time for the holidays?
You can (and should!) make festive cheesecake recipes ahead of time—doing so often improves the texture and flavor. Most cheesecakes keep well when refrigerated for several days or frozen for longer storage, making them a convenient make-ahead Christmas dessert option.
When it comes to freezing cheesecake, make sure you allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in storage wrap and foil. You can do so with a whole cheesecake or individual slices. To thaw a frozen holiday cheesecake, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly for 8 to 12 hours. This gentle defrosting helps the cheesecake maintain its creamy texture and prevents condensation from making the crust soggy.
What flavors are popular for holiday cheesecakes?
Popular flavors for seasonal cheesecake desserts include peppermint chocolate, gingerbread spice, eggnog, cranberry swirl and classic vanilla with seasonal toppings. These festive variations pair well with rich winter meals and reflect traditional Christmas flavors.
