Holiday Cheesecake Recipes
Looking to sweeten up your festive gatherings? Check out our collection of holiday cheesecake recipesāfrom traditional favorites to unique creations, these festive desserts are sure to be the highlight of your celebration table, delighting every guest with their tempting flavors. I think you will be impressed!
For those times when you don’t want to buy store bought and you just want something sweet and fresh, these easy desserts are your best companion. Don’t let homemade cheesecake intimate you. It’s so much easier to pull off than you think!

Want even more ideas? Here are more of our favorite homemade cheesecake recipes! Our readers have bee raving about these for years! And we have tons of mini cheesecake recipes if you prefer the small variety, especially if you’re hosting people.
Tips for Making Cheesecake at Home
- If the recipe calls for room temperature cheese, you better believe that it needs to be room temperature. Do not melt it in the microwave, do not pull it straight out of the fridge. Room temperature. That’s what is going to get you the most “stick together” with the right consistency.
- Never ever pop your cheesecake directly from the oven into the fridge. That’s how you get cracks and although you can hide cracks with pretty fruit toppings and you can sometimes even fix the cracks, it’s just not worth the headache. Just let your cheesecake rest on the counter until it cools completely and then you can pop it in the fridge.
- I like to add a dash of flour or cornstarch to every cheesecake ever. They can be really finicky and most recipes will call for this anyway, but even if it doesn’t, a little cornstarch is going to hold together your cake so much better than none.
- The springform pan is the magic of getting a cheesecake out of the pan and onto a pretty cake plate. Seriously, you can’t do it otherwise. So get the springform pan. You’ll love it.
What are the three types of cheesecakes?
When it comes to satisfying your cheesecake cravings, there are three main types to explore. The classic cheesecake, often baked to creamy perfection, is what most people envision with its rich and dense texture.
Then there’s the no-bake cheesecake, perfect for those who crave convenience without compromising on flavor, and flavored cheesecakes that offer a twist with exciting additions like chocolate, fruit, or other delicious variations.
And finally there is the New York style cheesecake. It is a beloved classic dessert known for its dense, creamy texture and rich flavor. This type of cheesecake stands out because it’s typically made with cream cheese, heavy cream, and often a touch of sour cream, which gives it that signature smoothness and depth.

Is sour cream or heavy cream better for cheesecake?
Both sour cream and heavy cream can be great in cheesecake, but they serve slightly different purposes. Sour cream adds a tangy flavor and a bit of acidity, which can enhance the overall taste and create a smoother texture. Heavy cream, on the other hand, contributes to a richer, creamier texture and can make the cheesecake more indulgent. It really depends on your taste preferenceāif you like a bit of tang, go for sour cream; if you prefer a richer texture, heavy cream might be your best bet!
What does the egg do in cheesecake?
Eggs play a crucial role in cheesecake by acting as a binding agent. They help hold all the ingredients together, giving the cheesecake its structure and creamy texture. When baked, the proteins in the eggs coagulate, which helps the cheesecake set and maintain its shape. Additionally, eggs contribute to the richness and smoothness of the cheesecake, making each bite deliciously satisfying.

Why put cornstarch in cheesecake?
Cornstarch is often added to cheesecake to help stabilize the batter and prevent cracking. It acts as a thickening agent, giving the cheesecake a firmer texture without making it too dense. By absorbing excess moisture, cornstarch also helps maintain a smooth and creamy consistency, ensuring that your cheesecake holds together beautifully when sliced. Plus, it can make the cheesecake a bit more forgiving during baking, reducing the risk of overcooking.
Cheesecakes for the Holidays
This is the best list of cheesecake recipes for the holidays that you'll ever find. There's a little bit of every favorite flavor that's perfect for a cheesecake--and wonderful for a dessert.
You don't even have to heat up the kitchen for these minis that are perfect for a crowd. Even better, let the kids help you put them together. This recipe is a win win!
Indulge in this quick and easy gingerbread cheesecake recipe made with gingersnaps, brown sugar, and cream cheese.
Looking for an easy recipe to satisfy your pumpkin cravings this fall? Look no further! Our Pumpkin Cheesecake Bundt Cake is the perfect combination of moist pumpkin cake and creamy cheesecake.
Take the headache out of cheesecake and make this creamy, decadent blueberry cheesecake right in your instant pot.
It's like dessert pie with apples and a little oh-my-gosh-why-is-this-not-in-my-mouth?! Yeah, to say that this one is going to be baking soon in my kitchen is an understatement.
If you're more of a traditional cheesecake lover, you can't go wrong with this amazingly easy recipe.
For those of you that might be looking for a little "lighter" cheesecake, well, this recipe is perfect! No sugar and gluten-free means yum for me!
So much goodness happening on this cheesecake--chocolate, peppermint and yum, yum, yum! I'll have a slice or two for sure.
Just look at all the OREO cookie goodness piled high on top of that amazing cheesecake. I just can't even with this one.
Hazelnut and creamy cream cheese make for one undeniably smooth and beautiful cheesecake you'll love.
Not only is this particular cheesecake easy (I mean, no bake?!) but it's also Keto-friendly. That's a winner for sure.
One of my favorite treats mixed with--one of my other favorite treats. Pecan pie and cheesecake together for the win!
Ooooh...Instant Pot, cookies and cream, and cheesecake? Someone is talking my love language.
Nothing says holidays more than eggnog. And then when you make a little eggnog flavored treat in a single-serving jar just for me?! That's a present from Santa.
Something tells me that having eggnog cheesecake is definitely in my future. I mean, it could be that I can't stop thinking about this delicate slice of creamy goodness.
Anything with swirls usually grabs my attention, but this amazing cranberry bliss swirled cheesecake is definitely a show-stopper.
Oh, this spiked dessert is only for the adults, but wow, does it scream "yum"! All that beautiful topping and firm creamy center. I have to try.
There's something about a personal bite-sized dessert that makes me just want to snap it up. And these little mini Santa-hat cheesecake bites are so snap-able.
Hot TAMALE! This recipe for peppermint milkshake cheesecake sounds absolutely divine with the little bits of chocolate swirled and that thick beautiful crust. Oh how I love a good crust.
So, I might be a little in love with this amazing recipe. Because, let's be honest, this is just about the prettiest cheesecake and all that raspberry--perfection.
When people wonder what you're making for a holiday dessert to the office party, if you tell them this eggnog cheesecake is it, you're going to win.
Alright, so I'm being more than a little obsessed with eggnog cheesecakes, but this one really is so awesome, with that adorably crispy cookie cup. Yum!!!
Ok, STOP THE BUS! I'm getting off here. This is my cheesecake stop. I'm serious--this is what I'll be making with the kids for holiday dessert.
Well, ok, I may have committed early. But this one is amazing, too. I mean, who doesn't love cranberry sauce?! And eggnog?!
Seriously the best candy ever made in a cheesecake form? I want this. For the holiday, for anytime--for me. I want it for me.