Is anyone else obsessed with cheesecake like my family? Whether were making it from scratch or splurging at the Cheesecake Factory, we just cant get enough. But while we might opt for regular cheesecake time and time again, there are actually many different types to indulge in.
Most people are familiar with traditional cheesecakes, such as New York cheesecake. But there are many other styles. From Philadelphia cheesecakes to Roman-style options, there are over ten different types of cheesecake to grace your palate.
Hello! My names Shea, a cheesecake lover, and self-taught baker. While I have spent plenty of time baking, cutting, and eating cheesecake, I wanted to branch out and discover new kinds. That led me on a long journey through the many styles of cheesecakes, and I want to share my findings.
Keep reading to find out the (surprisingly immense amount of) types of cheesecake!
Contents
- 10 Different Types of Cheesecake
- FAQs
- Wrapping Up
- FAQs
- What kinds of cheesecake are there?
- How many styles of cheesecake are there?
- What is the difference between New York style cheesecake and regular cheesecake?
- What is the difference between New York cheesecake and Philadelphia cheesecake?
- What is normal cheesecake called?
- What is jiggly cheesecake called?
- What’s the best kind of cheesecake?
- What is Chicago cheesecake?
- Why is it called rare cheesecake?
- Which cheesecake tastes better baked or no-bake?
10 Different Types of Cheesecake
Yes, you read that correctly there are ten (and likely more) different types of cheesecakes out there, each one better than the last. By the end of this list, your mouth will be watering and begging for one of these tasty new styles.
1. New York Cheesecake
Lets start with the most popular type of cheesecake New York cheesecake. This cheesecake is well-known for its velvety smooth texture and unbelievable creaminess.
Although these cheesecakes are typically created solely with cream cheese and heavy cream (with a few other ingredients), some bakers employ sour cream in heavy creams place to avoid potential freezing.
2. Regular Cheesecake
Many people confuse New York cheesecake with regular cheesecake, but theyre not the same thing. Although quite similar in terms of base ingredients and cooking process, traditional cheesecake tends to be lighter and shorter than the New York variety.
Another important distinction? Regular cheesecakes are typically much, much sweeter. Think about that last trip to the Cheesecake Factory. You likely ordered one of their wildly delicious cheesecakes loaded with goodies and topped with even more treats.
These would be classified as regular cheesecakes rather than New York cheesecakes.
3. Philadelphia Cheesecake
Philadelphia cheesecake and New York cheesecake are almost identical. The critical difference is that Philadelphia cheesecake is notably airier and lighter than New York cheesecake, which tends to have a denser texture overall.
If youre looking for something a tad fluffier without compromising on the famous cheesecake flavor notes, you might enjoy the Philadelphia cheesecake.
4. Chicago Cheesecake
Still not sold on the creaminess? Take, for example, Chicago-style cheesecake. This cheesecake features a slightly dense exterior with a creamy interior that acts more like a filling than a smooth, dense interior like those found on other types of cheesecakes.
Another big difference? Chicago-style cheesecake utilizes a shortbread crust rather than graham crackers. This alters the flavor a pinch and adds some extra sweetness that many people enjoy.
5. Japanese Cheesecake
Japanese cheesecake is often referred to as Cotton Cheesecake or Souffl Cheesecake. Why? Because of the incredibly fluffy and airy texture. In fact, this cheesecake is so lightweight that it can appear wobbly or jiggly, giving it its souffl nickname.
6. Roman Cheesecake
If you ever take a trip to Rome, you will undoubtedly find yourself face to face with a Roman cheesecake come dessert time.
Roman cheesecake varies significantly from New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago cheesecakes. Roman cheesecake does not use cream cheese. Instead, it uses fresh ricotta or a kind of farmers cheese. There is also no crust, ensuring a refreshing and smooth finish.
7. Swedish Cheesecake
If youre looking for a really unique and out-of-the-box cheesecake, you will want to try out Swedish cheesecake.
Swedish cheesecake is one of the most unique cheesecakes available. To make this cheesecake, you will need to create your own curdled milk (by adding rennet) or use cottage cheese as a speedy substitute.
This cheesecake does not have a crust, just like the Roman version. It typically contains almonds, either whole or crushed, and is served with fresh fruit or preservative fruit.
8. Vegan Cheesecake
Vegans don’t have to miss out on all the festivities! Vegan varieties have hit the baking world by storm, and vegans (and non-vegans) are cheering.
Vegan cheesecakes have the same texture and flavor as traditional cheesecakes. The only difference is that there are no dairy products involved obviously. Instead, vegan cheesecakes use a number of other non-dairy ingredients, such as soaked cashew nuts or silken tofu.
By the way, dont knock it till you try it! Ive had vegan cheesecake, and it was splendid.
9. Ricotta Cheesecake
Who said cheesecake had to include cream cheese? If you head over to Italy, theyll tell you that theres no reason why cheesecake cant be made with ricotta.
Ricotta cheesecake is still as delicious as any other type of cheesecake. The texture is the most noticeable change. Since this type of cheesecake utilizes ricotta, there is a slightly grainier consistency. This cheesecake tends to be a bit drier, too, but not in a negative way.
10. No-Bake Cheesecake
I love no-bake cheesecakes. Not only are they much easier to make, but the consistency is glorious. Think about the smoothest and silkiest cheesecake youve ever eaten. Then double that by three. This is a no-bake cheesecake.
No-bake cheesecake differs from other cheesecakes because no oven or eggs are involved. All you need to do is mix the ingredients, allow it to chill entirely, and serve it up. Oh, so yummy!
FAQs
There you have it! The top ten most common types of cheesecakes out there. I know, I know you want to keep learning. Dont worry. Ive added a few extra questions to pique your interest. Lets have a look.
How many types of cheesecake are there?
There are well over ten types of cheesecakes out there I only mentioned the ten most popular ones! And when were discussing types, that doesnt even include flavors. Im sure there are hundreds of yummy cheesecake flavors that are just waiting for you to try.
What are the most popular cheesecakes?
The most popular cheesecakes include New York cheesecake, New York cheesecake with strawberry drizzle, triple chocolate cheesecake, and pumpkin cheesecake.
What is the difference between New York-style cheesecake and regular cheesecake?
The difference between New York cheesecake and regular cheesecake is that traditional cheesecake uses more sour cream and heavy cream in the batter, producing a lighter texture.
New York cheesecake relies on cream cheese (primarily), creating a silky and dense consistency. Regular cheesecake is also famous for its wide range of flavors and toppings.
What is the difference between American and Italian cheesecake?
American cheesecake is made with cream cheese (and some other ingredients, sometimes, like sour cream or heavy cream), while Italian cheesecake is made with ricotta cheese. Both are sumptuous, just different, especially in terms of texture.
Wrapping Up
As you can see, there are tons of different types of cheesecakes on the market. From the famous New York cheesecake to the intricate, unique Swedish cheesecake and vegan varieties, there is a cheesecake that will satisfy your taste buds.
What is your favorite type of cheesecake? Have you tried any of these cheesecakes? Share your comments (and recipes!) in the comment section below!
FAQs
What kinds of cheesecake are there?
While there are many different variations of cheesecakes, there are a few basic types of cheesecakes, including:
New York-style cheesecake.
Chicago-style cheesecake.
Traditional or classic cheesecake.
No bake cheesecake.
Philadelphia style cheesecake.
Vegan cheesecake.
Ricotta cheesecake (or Roman cheesecake)
How many styles of cheesecake are there?
There are two kinds of modern cheesecake. Along with the baked cheesecake, some cheesecakes are made with uncooked cream cheese on a crumbled-cookie or graham cracker base.
What is the difference between New York style cheesecake and regular cheesecake?
Regular cheesecake relies on heavy cream and sour cream to thin the batter and create a silkier, creamier texture. New York cheesecake is heavy on the cream cheese which is why it’s so dense and rich. Extra cream cheese isn’t the only thing that makes New York cheesecake so special.
What is the difference between New York cheesecake and Philadelphia cheesecake?
When most people refer to Philadelphia-style cheesecake, experts say, they’re talking about a version marketed by the cream cheese brand. New York style typically has sour cream or heavy cream in the mix. Philadelphia fashion does not. That is, it has nothing to do with the city of Philadelphia.
What is normal cheesecake called?
Cheesecake in the manner of New York
Since it’s probably the most popular and beloved kind of cheesecake (at least by name), let’s start with New York cheesecake.
What is jiggly cheesecake called?
Japanese cheesecake, also known as Japanese cotton cake, soufflé cheesecake, or jiggly cake, is a bouncy and light confection with similar ingredients to regular cheesecake, but with a lighter and fluffier texture.
What’s the best kind of cheesecake?
Top 10 Cheesecake Flavors:
NY Original.
Gourmet Sampler (original, strawberry, chocolate, caramel-pecan)
Fruit Sampler (strawberry, cherry, pineapple, blueberry)
Chocolate Sampler (chocolate chip, German chocolate, marble, triple chocolate)
Triple Chocolate.
Turtle.
Blueberry.
Cookies & Cream.
What is Chicago cheesecake?
Chicago Cheese cake – a baked cheesecake that is relatively fluffier in its texture compared to several other types of cheesecakes. It consists of a super soft, moist, and creamy filling texture on the inside and is slightly firm from the outside.
Why is it called rare cheesecake?
“No-bake” cheesecakes are called rare cheesecakes in Japan. This is a soft type of cheesecake and usually, gelatin is used to harden the filling. Rare cheesecakes are chilled and served with fresh fruits or fruit sauces.
Which cheesecake tastes better baked or no-bake?
What’s the Difference Between Baked and No-Bake Cheesecake? The key difference between baked and no-bake cheesecakes is the former’s superior texture. Baked cheesecakes have a dense, fluffy, moist and smooth texture, which is not possible with the recipe for no-bake cheesecake.