40 Richest, Silkiest, Most Velvety Cheesecakes For Easter

I have always liked Italian ricotta cheesecakes, but they have too much sugar for me. I made a diabetic version and my family couldn’t even tell! I serve mine with sugar-free strawberry ice cream topping and fresh strawberries. —Diane Shipley, Mentor, Ohio

My family loves this creamy make-ahead dessert. Unlike traditional cheesecake, I sprinkle a streusel topping over the filling. It needs to be refrigerated overnight and is well worth the wait. —Misty Wellman, Scottsdale, Arizona

I used to think cheesecake sounded intimidating, but since I started making them I can’t stop! This simple but special cookie-topped version will make your family feel fussed over. Seconds, anyone? —Rose Yoder, Middlebury, Indiana

To me, there is nothing better than a simple, elegant cheesecake where the vanilla takes center stage. And when I’m feeling decadent, I’ll add the rich chocolate ganache topping. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

A creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread tops a crust made of crushed Oreo cookies to make this irresistible baked cheesecake.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I took my daughter’s love of cheesecake plus my mom’s love of coconut and rhubarb and ran with it. Try it with a smidge of chocolate sauce, too. —Wendy Rusch, Trego, Wisconsin

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. I always enjoyed these simple but yummy cookies. Since cheesecake is my very favorite dessert, I couldn’t resist coming up with one that recreates 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

To make these cute tarts even quicker, add the filling to store-bought phyllo tart shells. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon

If you delight in the taste of chocolate, then this is the cheesecake for you. Every creamy bite melts in your mouth. It’s so impressive yet not difficult to prepare-I whip up this dessert each time I want a yummy treat for my family, friends or co-workers. —Mary Jones, Cumberland, Maine

I got hooked on these mini cheesecakes when a friend made them. She let me steal her recipe, and now I’m sharing this tasty treat with you!—Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota

When a friend served this luscious cheesecake at a birthday party, I left with the recipe. Every time I make it, rave reviews and recipe requests come my way. —Pat Price, Bucyrus, Ohio

This creamy lemon cheesecake has a lovely soft texture and cuts nicely. The curd adds a fresh, tangy flavor. —Becky West, Statesboro, Georgia

My mother-in-law loved chocolate malts—and cheesecakes, too. Can you guess who passed this recipe on to me? Sometimes, I substitute pretzel crumbs for the graham cracker crumbs. They make a surprisingly good crust! —Anita Moffett, Rewey, Wisconsin

Wait for the oohs and aahs when you present this luxurious cheesecake. The lemon flavor gives it a bright, tangy flavor. —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia

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 reminds me of the cheesecake I enjoyed as a child, but substitute other crumbs if you like. —Mary Beth Jung, Hendersonville, North Carolina

This cheesecake is easy to make—but it’s definitely not easy to wait till the next day to eat it! The recipe is from a friend I used to work with.—Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

I received this recipe along with a set of springform pans from a cousin at my wedding shower 11 years ago. It makes a heavenly cheesecake. My son Tommy has already told me he wants it again for his birthday cake this year. —Brenda Clifford, Overland Park, Kansas

It’s hard to resist this chocolaty cheesecake with its fudgy crust, crunchy pecans and gooey layer of caramel. I combined several recipes to create this version that satisfies both the chocolate lovers and the cheesecake lovers in my family. —Brenda Ruse, Truro, Nova Scotia

Your valentine will fall in love with this sweet treat. Each silky smooth slice is topped with juicy raspberries and a drizzle of white chocolate, making it an attractive finish to a special meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

I created this creamy cheesecake using two favorites—caramel and pecans. It’s a stunning cake that rivals any I’ve tasted. —Deidre Sizer, Cedarville, Ohio

I went through a phase when I couldn’t get enough cheesecake or coffee, so I created this rich dessert. Its brownie-like crust and creamy mocha layer really hit the spot. It’s ideal for get-togethers because it can be made in advance. —Shannon Dormady, Great Falls, Montana

This is my favorite blueberry cheesecake recipe, which I often make for family get-togethers. —Cathy Medley, Clyde, Ohio

I said I’d bring dessert to a holiday party and tried this recipe. I’m sure you’ll agree it tastes as luscious as it looks! —Dawn Lowenstein, Hatboro, Pennsylvania

When I was a nurse, my coworkers and I regularly swapped recipes during lunch breaks. This creamy cheesecake was one of the best I received. —Georgiann Franklin, Canfield, Ohio

Family and friends always “ooh” and “aah” when I bring out this tempting cheesecake after holiday dinners! Filled with peanut butter and cream cheese and drizzled with chocolate in a fudge crust, it’s a showstopper. —H.L. Sosnowski, Grand Island, New York

Though softer than a full-fat cheesecake, this lightened-up dessert has all of the original’s delectable flavor. It’s sure to make any special event more festive. —Anne Addesso, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Creamy and airy, this gorgeous dessert is the perfect special something for a summer dinner party. I love the mix of smooth strawberry cheesecake and crumbly chocolate crust—and how elegant it looks on the table. —Kathy Berger, Dry Ridge, Kentucky

The Italian word “tiramisu” means “pick-me-up” and refers to a dessert of ladyfinger sponge cake dipped in coffee, embracing mascarpone cheese. Work that in with cream cheese and you have a guaranteed picker-upper that redefines a classic. —Mrs. Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida

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 size. Use a mini muffin pan with muffin liners, fill 3/4 full and bake 15-17 minutes. Allow to sit and cool completely before topping with chocolate, coconut and almonds. —Keri Brammer, Lawton, Oklahoma

After spending years living in Seattle, I’ve become a coffee junkie! I had to relocate across the country for a time, so I created this cheesecake with the flavors of salted caramel, coffee and espresso. It lifted me up on days when I felt blue about leaving one of the world’s great coffee destinations. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington

For an almost instant dessert, I spread homemade ganache and caramel sauce over pre-made cheesecake. It makes the holidays feel slightly less hectic. —Laura McDowell, Lake Villa, Illinois

My mom makes this cheesecake a lot because it’s so good and really pretty. She calls it a “go-to” recipe. Someday I’ll try to make it myself. —Charlotte Roos, Minneapolis, Minnesota

I love the scent of lavender, and the edible flowers make this cheesecake one of the most unique I have ever tasted. You can use lavender honey in this recipe for extra flavor, but even without it, the lavender is very distinct. —Julie Palmer, Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania

Cheesecake from a slow cooker? It’s true! I experimented a few times to turn this iconic dessert into a slow-cooker classic. Give it a try. You’ll be amazed at the results! —Krista Lanphier, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I combined two of my favorite cheesecake recipes and added the delicious homemade caramel sauce for a cheesecake that’s now my favorite! —Hannah Halstead, Blair, Nebraska

Friends have suggested over and over that I submit this creation to a magazine because it’s so good. For the best texture, make sure not to overmix the batter. —Jamie Harris, Danville, Illinois

Cinnamon and vanilla give this cheesecake so much flavor, and making it in the slow cooker creates a silky, smooth texture that’s hard to resist. —Krista Lanphier, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This sweet and decadent cheesecake features graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows. Enjoy! —Kurt Anderson, Willmar, Minnesota

Dainty and light, these tartlets feature two of my favorites —lemon and cheesecake —in one yummy morsel. They look lovely topped with fresh raspberries, but sliced strawberries are just as pretty and delicious. —Gwyn Brandt, Hibbing, Minnesota

My mom often made pineapple upside-down cake, but I prefer something creamier. This recipe looks just like her cake, but gets even tastier as pineapple upside-down cheesecake. —Marilyn McGinnis, Citrus Heights, California