Holiday Baking Made Simple: Cheesecake Recipes

Celebrate the holidays with 20 easy and festive Christmas cookies and cheesecake recipes. Perfect for family, gifts, and holiday parties!

🍰 1. Classic New York Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter; press into the bottom of the pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each.

  3. Blend in vanilla, sour cream, and flour.

  4. Pour mixture over crust.

  5. Bake 55–65 minutes or until center is almost set.

  6. Cool 1 hour, then refrigerate 4+ hours before serving.

🍽 Serving:
Serves 12. Serve plain or with fruit topping.

🍫 2. Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 4 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix cookie crumbs and butter; press into 9-inch springform pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

  2. Add eggs one at a time, then sour cream & vanilla.

  3. Pour half the batter into pan. Add melted chocolate to remaining batter; swirl into base with a knife.

  4. Bake 50–60 min. Cool 1 hour, refrigerate 4+ hours.

🍽 Serving:
Serves 12. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

🎃 3. Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ¼ cup sugar

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 3 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree

  • ¾ cup sugar

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • ½ tsp nutmeg

  • ¼ tsp cloves

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix crumbs, sugar, butter; press into 9-inch pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar & pumpkin puree.

  2. Mix in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla & spices.

  3. Pour over crust. Bake 50–60 min. Cool and refrigerate 4 hours.

🍽 Serving:
Serves 10–12. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

🍓 4. No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 3 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream, whipped

  • 1 cup strawberry puree

  • Fresh strawberries for topping

🥣 Preparation:
Mix crumbs and butter; press into 9-inch pan. Chill 15 minutes.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

  2. Fold in whipped cream.

  3. Spread half mixture over crust; swirl in strawberry puree. Top with remaining cheesecake mixture.

  4. Chill 4+ hours. Decorate with strawberries.

🍽 Serving:
Serves 12. Perfect chilled dessert for hot holidays.

🍪 5. Oreo Cookie Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Oreo crumbs (about 20 cookies)

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 4 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • 12 Oreo cookies, chopped

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Press crumbs & butter into 9-inch pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

  2. Add eggs, one at a time. Mix in vanilla & sour cream.

  3. Fold in chopped Oreos. Pour over crust.

  4. Bake 50–60 min. Cool and refrigerate 4+ hours.

🍽 Serving:
Serves 12. Garnish with extra Oreos on top.

6. Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 4 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 cup fresh blueberries

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix crumbs & butter; press into 9-inch pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

  2. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, lemon zest, and juice.

  3. Gently fold in blueberries.

  4. Pour over crust and bake 50–60 min. Cool & refrigerate 4 hours.

🍽 Serving: Serves 12. Garnish with extra blueberries.

7. Peppermint Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 4 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • ½ tsp peppermint extract

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • Crushed candy canes for topping

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix crumbs & butter; press into pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

  2. Add eggs, one at a time, then vanilla, peppermint extract, and sour cream.

  3. Pour over crust and bake 50–60 min. Cool 1 hour, then refrigerate 4 hours.

  4. Top with crushed candy canes before serving.

🍽 Serving: Serves 12. Perfect for Christmas.

8. Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 4 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ½ cup caramel sauce

  • Flaky sea salt for topping

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix crumbs & butter; press into pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

  2. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and sour cream.

  3. Pour over crust and bake 50–60 min. Cool & refrigerate 4 hours.

  4. Drizzle caramel and sprinkle sea salt before serving.

🍽 Serving: Serves 12.

9. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 4 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • ½ cup peanut butter

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ½ cup chocolate chips

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix crumbs & butter; press into pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

  2. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and peanut butter.

  3. Fold in chocolate chips.

  4. Pour over crust and bake 50–60 min. Cool & refrigerate 4 hours.

🍽 Serving: Serves 12.

10. Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 4 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ½ cup raspberry puree

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix crumbs & butter; press into pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

  2. Add eggs, one at a time, then vanilla & sour cream.

  3. Pour half over crust, swirl in raspberry puree, top with remaining batter.

  4. Bake 50–60 min. Cool & refrigerate 4 hours.

🍽 Serving: Serves 12. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

🍰 11. White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 4 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • 4 oz white chocolate, melted

  • ½ cup raspberry puree

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix crumbs & butter; press into 9-inch springform pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

  2. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, sour cream, and melted white chocolate.

  3. Pour half the mixture over crust; swirl in raspberry puree, then top with remaining batter.

  4. Bake 50–60 min. Cool 1 hour, then refrigerate 4+ hours.

🍽 Serving: Serves 12. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

🥕 12. Carrot Cake Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 4 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • 1 cup grated carrots

  • ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • ½ tsp nutmeg

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix crumbs & butter; press into 9-inch pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

  2. Add eggs, one at a time, then vanilla.

  3. Fold in carrots, pineapple, spices, and walnuts.

  4. Pour over crust and bake 50–60 min. Cool & refrigerate 4+ hours.

🍽 Serving: Serves 12. Top with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.

🍫 13. Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 4 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • ¾ cup sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • ½ cup Nutella

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ½ cup chopped hazelnuts (optional)

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix crumbs & butter; press into pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

  2. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, Nutella, and sour cream.

  3. Pour over crust, sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top.

  4. Bake 50–60 min. Cool & refrigerate 4+ hours.

🍽 Serving: Serves 12. Garnish with chocolate curls or hazelnuts.

🍋 14. Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 4 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • ¼ cup lemon juice

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • 2 egg whites

  • ¼ cup sugar (for meringue)

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix crumbs & butter; press into pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese & sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time.

  2. Mix in vanilla, lemon juice, zest, and sour cream.

  3. Pour over crust and bake 50–60 min. Cool & refrigerate 4+ hours.

  4. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, gradually adding sugar to make meringue.

  5. Spread meringue over cheesecake and broil 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.

🍽 Serving: Serves 12. Garnish with lemon zest.

15. Tiramisu Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs or ladyfinger crumbs

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 4 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • ¾ cup sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled

  • 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)

  • ½ cup mascarpone cheese

  • Cocoa powder for dusting

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix crumbs & butter; press into pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, sour cream, coffee, and coffee liqueur.

  2. Fold in mascarpone. Pour over crust and bake 50–60 min. Cool & refrigerate 4+ hours.

  3. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

🍽 Serving: Serves 12. Perfect for coffee lovers.

🥨 16. Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups crushed pretzels

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 4 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • ¾ cup sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ½ cup caramel sauce

  • Flaky sea salt

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix pretzel crumbs & butter; press into 9-inch pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese & sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time.

  2. Mix in vanilla & sour cream. Pour over crust.

  3. Bake 50–60 min. Cool & refrigerate 4+ hours.

  4. Drizzle caramel and sprinkle sea salt before serving.

🍽 Serving: Serves 12. Perfect sweet-salty combo.

🍫 17. Chocolate Mint Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 4 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • ¾ cup sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • ½ tsp peppermint extract

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ½ cup chocolate chips

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix cookie crumbs & butter; press into pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese & sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then peppermint extract, vanilla, and sour cream.

  2. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour over crust and bake 50–60 min. Cool & refrigerate 4+ hours.

🍽 Serving: Serves 12. Garnish with chocolate shavings or mint leaves.

🍁 18. Maple Pecan Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 4 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • ¾ cup sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ½ cup maple syrup

  • ½ cup chopped toasted pecans

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix crumbs & butter; press into pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese & sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time.

  2. Mix in vanilla, sour cream, and maple syrup. Pour over crust.

  3. Sprinkle pecans on top. Bake 50–60 min. Cool & refrigerate 4+ hours.

🍽 Serving: Serves 12. Great for fall and Thanksgiving.

🥥 19. Coconut Cream Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 4 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • ¾ cup sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • 1 cup shredded coconut (plus extra for topping)

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix crumbs & butter; press into pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese & sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time.

  2. Mix in vanilla, sour cream, and shredded coconut.

  3. Pour over crust and bake 50–60 min. Cool & refrigerate 4+ hours.

  4. Sprinkle extra coconut on top before serving.

🍽 Serving: Serves 12. Perfect tropical dessert.

🍓 20. Mixed Berry Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 4 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • ¾ cup sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

  • Extra berries for topping

🥣 Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix crumbs & butter; press into pan.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese & sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla & sour cream.

  2. Pour over crust, fold in mixed berries.

  3. Bake 50–60 min. Cool & refrigerate 4+ hours.

  4. Garnish with fresh berries before serving.

🍽 Serving: Serves 12. Fresh and colorful holiday dessert.