Several years ago I discovered a love for cheesecake. This rich, delectable dessert with a reputation for being difficult is extremely versatile and delicious.
I began my cheesecake baking adventures with a simple boxed no-bake mix. Though tasty enough, it wasn’t quite satisfying and I quickly moved on to the Philadelphia 3-step Cheesecake recipe. I had to actually bake this one, but it uses a pre-made graham cracker crust.
When I wanted to liven this recipe up a bit, I started looking up recipes online and found so many yummy sounding options. One problem. I didn’t have a spring-form pan. Still, I dressed up the basic 3-step recipe by adding different things, like pumpkin or hazelnut coffee.
Still, it was a few years later when I received a spring-form pan as a gift one Christmas, that I really went nuts with the cheesecake baking. I’ve tried more recipes in the last several years than I can remember. My co-workers have become my favorite guinea pigs, always willing to try out a new cheesecake. And I now am the proud owner of three spring-form pans. Which means, in theory, I could make up to three at a time.
There are literally hundreds of cheesecake recipes online, in as many different flavors. There is a cheesecake suitable for every season, for any occasion. Here is a list of some of the favorites I’ve made before. A cheesecake for every month!
January
What better way to ring in the new year than with a cheesecake straight from the city where the biggest party takes place every New Year’s? Serve it as it is, or dress it up. A simple Blueberry Compote is nice. Here is my favorite version of this popular New York Style cheesecake.
February
This one is a beautiful upgrade to the box of chocolates. The White Chocolate & Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake is the perfect finish for any romantic dinner.
March
A cheesecake doesn’t have to be a dessert. Try this Savory Cheesecake for a bit of a change. With or without the bacon crumbles, it makes for a tasty dish that will liven up any brunch gathering.
April
This Espresso Cheesecake is a truly decadent dessert, and one of my personal favorites. If you plan to serve it with dinner, however, you might want to consider making it in a decaf version.
May
Another savory version, the Fiesta Cheesecake will make a colorful and tasty addition to any celebration. This unique cheesecake is a lot of fun to make.
June
This one is my favorite that I’ve every made. The Strawberry Lemonade Cheesecake is light, creamy, and just plain delicious! Plus it’s gorgeous. And it’s a good thing too, it’s a little bit more involved that many other recipes.
July
What treat defines summer better than the classic s’more? Put into a cheesecake, it brings this campfire treat to the table. I’ve never made this one with the berries, but the cake alone is fantastic.
August
Cap off summer with this fun and unique Carrot Cake Cheesecake. The carrot cake serves as the base with a decadent cheesecake top. This also works well as cupcakes. Delicious!
September
It’s time for going back to school. Celebrate with this downright sinful Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake.
October
There’s no better fall dessert than this Pumpkin Marble Cheesecake. It’s beautiful and delicious with a wonderfully spicy gingersnap crust.
November
Another perfectly seasonal dessert is an Apple Nut Cheesecake. This one is my go-to when I need something quick. (My apologies, I can’t seem to locate this recipe online anymore. There’s some good looking ones, but none are the one I’m familiar with.)
December
Finish off a year of cheesecakes with this amazing Layered Turtle Cheesecake. Layers of chocolate and white cheesecake and topped with a chocolate ganache, pecans and caramel drizzle.
There you have it, some of my favorite cheesecake recipes. Enjoy one, or enjoy them all! Go on your own internet search for something in your favorite flavor. In my experience, cheesecake doesn’t have to be as touchy and difficult as it’s reputation makes out. It might be time consuming, but the reward is well worth it.
TAwrites 