17 Cheesecake Ideas People Notice First on a Holiday Dessert Table

At any holiday event, all it takes is the sight of cheesecake to get people talking. With these 17 cheesecake ideas collected together, you’ll find options that fit right in at everything from casual dinners to festive parties. Each one brings a little something special to the moment. It just might spark a new tradition for your holiday season.

A slice of cookies and cream cheesecake is being lifted from a plate. The cake has a crumbly cookie crust, creamy filling with cookie pieces, and a topping of crushed cookies.
Rich Oreo Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet Raspberry Cheesecake

A slice of raspberry-topped cheesecake is being lifted from a whole cheesecake with a graham cracker crust.
Sweet Raspberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Friends love seeing this Sweet Raspberry Cheesecake at any festive dessert table. The bright swirl on top seems to promise something special, and it always delivers once you take a bite. I often watch as it disappears faster than almost anything else. You might find yourself hoping for leftovers, but that’s a rare treat.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Raspberry Cheesecake

Fudgy Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

A close-up of a brownie square topped with a swirl of cheesecake and cherry filling.
Fudgy Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Layers of chocolate and berry always stand out, and these Fudgy Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies draws a long line at dessert time. Friends point out the fun mix of flavors as both creamy and chocolatey. One square never seems to be enough, so I end up making an extra batch. It’s a treat everyone seems curious to try.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

Rich Blueberry Cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake topped with glossy blueberry sauce on a white plate, with two black spoons beside it.
Rich Blueberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Holiday dessert tables sparkle a little more with this Rich Blueberry Cheesecake in the center. You notice the deep color and smooth texture before you even try a forkful. Since it looks so inviting, folks keep coming back for another slice. The bright berry flavor leaves a lasting impression nobody forgets.
Get the Recipe: Rich Blueberry Cheesecake

Tangy Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

A close-up image of layered lemon raspberry cake slices topped with fresh raspberries and lemon zest.
Tangy Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A burst of color draws people straight to these Tangy Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars. The bright taste feels cheery on a frosty night, with just the right amount of sweetness and tartness in each square. Guests often go back for seconds. Bars like these don’t remain on the plate for long, especially when everyone’s after something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Slice of cheesecake topped with caramel, pretzel, pecan, and sea salt on a plate, with a spoon beside it.
Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Salted caramel always gets attention when I serve this Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake at gatherings. Sweet and salty flavors grab guests by surprise, leaving them reaching for a second slice. Shiny caramel drips catch the light, making it impossible to skip this one. It feels like a true holiday splurge that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Burnt Basque Cheesecake

A close-up of several slices of a dense, golden-brown custard or cheesecake on parchment paper.
Burnt Basque Cheesecake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A rustic look makes this Burnt Basque Cheesecake stand out from all the other options on the table. Its creamy center and caramelized top create a buzz among holiday guests. While it may seem simple, people keep asking for the secret to its rich flavor. I like watching everyone search for the last slice.
Get the Recipe: Burnt Basque Cheesecake

Delicious Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

A slice of apple pie stuffed cheesecake on a plate with a spoon.
Delicious Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tradition meets excitement in this Delicious Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake, blending two favorites into one unforgettable dessert. People pause and look closer, trying to figure out what makes it unique. Every bite brings a cozy, familiar feeling that fits right in with December celebrations. I’ve noticed it sparks plenty of smiles.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Sweet Cherry Cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake topped with cherry sauce, sitting on a beige plate.
Sweet Cherry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bright red cherries are always a showstopper, so this Sweet Cherry Cheesecake never goes unnoticed. Guests linger at the dessert table just to point out how pretty it looks. Once the slices start disappearing, all that’s left is a trail of compliments. A classic cheesecake can sometimes be the best way to bring everyone together.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cherry Cheesecake

Rich Pecan Pie Cheesecake

A slice of pecan pie being served on a cake slice.
Rich Pecan Pie Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Old-fashioned favorites get a twist with this Rich Pecan Pie Cheesecake, perfect for sharing after dinner. Guests are surprised at how pie and cheesecake flavors merge in each forkful. I like seeing the mix of crunchy and smooth textures come together in one bite. December just feels a bit sweeter when this gets served.
Get the Recipe: Rich Pecan Pie Cheesecake

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, topped with strawberry sauce and fresh strawberry pieces, sits on a serving tray.
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

No oven is needed to set out this No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake at your next holiday event. Friends are usually intrigued by how light yet creamy each piece turns out. Even those who think they’re too full for dessert end up taking a slice. It’s the sort of crowd-pleaser that fits perfectly at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Classic Strawberry Cheesecake

A slice of strawberry-topped cheesecake is being lifted above the rest of the cake, showing a graham cracker crust and creamy filling.
Classic Strawberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Strawberries and creamy filling come together in this Classic Strawberry Cheesecake, drawing people in from across the room. Slices look as bright and festive as they taste, making it a top pick at dessert time. I find that not a crumb is left after the plates are cleared. Even the prettiest holiday spread could use this favorite.
Get the Recipe: Classic Strawberry Cheesecake

Rich Tiramisu Cheesecake

A close-up of a slice of layered tiramisu cake with cream, coffee-soaked sponge, and dusted cocoa powder on top, served on a white plate.
Rich Tiramisu Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Coffee lovers gravitate to this Rich Tiramisu Cheesecake as soon as they spot it among the holiday desserts. Layers of creamy filling and dark flavors work together to make each slice irresistible. Friends chat about how unique it feels, even after just one forkful. This is one dessert you’ll want to serve again and again.
Get the Recipe: Rich Tiramisu Cheesecake

Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake

A close-up of a slice of cheesecake with a caramelized sugar topping, resting on parchment paper with a crumbly base visible.
Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crisp sugar topping always gets a round of “oohs” when this Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake comes out. The creamy center hidden below that glossy caramel layer feels extra special on a night meant for celebrating. Guests keep asking how the top gets so shiny and crackly. It never fails to make the final course unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake

Sweet and Flaky Sopapilla Cheesecake

A square slice of sugar-topped cake sits on a patterned plate beside a metal spoon.
Sweet and Flaky Sopapilla Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert tables liven up with this Sweet and Flaky Sopapilla Cheesecake making its appearance. Layers of creamy filling and delicate pastry catch everyone’s eye while folks move through the line. By the end of the night, someone always wants the recipe for later. There’s something about it that feels both playful and classic at once.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Flaky Sopapilla Cheesecake

Vegan No-Bake Cheesecake with Peaches (Gluten-Free)

A peach-topped cheesecake on a beige plate, garnished with mint leaves, set on a light marble surface with sprigs of baby's breath flowers nearby.
Vegan No-Bake Cheesecake with Peaches (Gluten-Free). Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Surprises are always in store with this Vegan No-Bake Cheesecake with Peaches (Gluten-Free). Even folks who don’t usually reach for vegan treats find themselves coming back for more. I like how the peach flavors make each bite feel light and fresh. It’s a great pick for groups with mixed diets and delightfully easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Vegan No-Bake Cheesecake with Peaches (Gluten-Free)

Mini Cheesecakes

Mini cheesecakes topped with strawberry sauce, fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and a small mint leaf on a light surface.
Mini Cheesecakes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tiny treats win big smiles with these Mini Cheesecakes on the table. Sometimes, smaller desserts are most talked about, especially when everyone wants a taste of everything. I stack them high on a tray because they tend to vanish fast. Each one brings a perfect little bite of cheer to the night.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cheesecakes

Rich Oreo Cheesecake

A slice of cookies and cream cheesecake is being lifted from a plate. The cake has a crumbly cookie crust, creamy filling with cookie pieces, and a topping of crushed cookies.
Rich Oreo Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cookies and cream always get a warm welcome, and this Rich Oreo Cheesecake draws a crowd right away. People try to guess just how rich the chocolate flavor will be with every forkful. I’ve noticed these slices go missing first, proving just how popular it really is. Dessert lovers are always happy to spot this at the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Rich Oreo Cheesecake

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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