Cheesecake has to be the most interesting dessert ever created. Think about it. It's technically a cake, but nothing like what we expect from a cake. Its creamy, yet not quite a pudding. Rich, but not heavy. Sweet, with just a subtle tang that makes you crave another bite. In fact, in the UK, cheesecake has recently overtaken traditional desserts like Victoria sponge to become the most popular treat for tea time. What's more interesting is how different it can taste depending on who's making it and where you're eating it. Your homemade cheesecake probably tastes nothing like the one from that corner bakery. And its definitely different from what youd find in Paris or Tokyo. And don't even get us started on the discussion it sparks. Room temperature or chilled? With toppings or without? Baked or no-bake? Everyone has their preferences! There's just something about cheesecake that gets people talking, tasting, and taking sides. It's a conversation starter, a comfort food, and honestly, sometimes even breakfast (no judgment here). Let's talk about what makes this not-quite-a-cake so special. What is a Cheesecake? Cheesecake is a dessert made with soft cheese, eggs, and sugar. It may have a crust made from cookies, graham crackers, or sponge cake. Cheesecake can be baked or unbaked and is usually served chilled. The unique thing about cheesecake is that while it's actually a custard pie, it's named a 'cake' because well... honestly, who knows? Maybe because it looks like one? But one things for sure. This mix of creamy cheese, sweetness, and crunchy crust has been a favorite for centuries. Speaking of which, you'll never guess where this whole cheesecake story began The History of Cheesecake Cheesecake is a dessert with a history dating back to ancient Greece, where it was made with simple ingredients such as cheese, wheat, and honey. It was even served to athletes at the first Olympic Games in 776 BCE as an energy source. The earliest recorded recipe comes from a Greek physician named Aegimus, who wrote a book about it. Though sadly, that book is lost to history. What a tragedy, right? Some interesting historical facts about cheesecake: The Romans spread cheesecake across Europe when they conquered Greece, adding their own twist by including crushed cheese and eggs. They called it "libuma" and often used it as an offering to their gods. By 1000 A.D., cheesecake had made its way through Europe, with each region developing its own signature style. The English started hosting "cheesecake weddings." Believe it or not, cream cheese, the main ingredient of cheesecakes today, wasn't even invented until 1872! A New York dairy farmer accidentally created it while trying to replicate a French cheese called Neufchtel. It wasn't until 1929 that cheesecake took an unexpected turn. A German-American restaurateur in New York played around with his recipe, using cream cheese and a new technique. What the restaurateur created by chance would become one of the most famous cheesecakes. It marked a huge moment in the cheesecake evolution. But more on that later. Cheesecake keeps changing and surprising us. Every culture and every baker seems to add their own special touch to it. And have you ever noticed how each country has its own version of cheesecake? Each one adds a little something special, whether its a unique ingredient or a different twist on the classic. Lets take a look at these variations. Different Types of Cheesecake Around the World New York Style Cheesecake: It was first created by a German-American restaurateur called Arnold Reuben in 1929. This iconic version is known for its tall, dense texture and rich, creamy consistency. It is primarily made with cream cheese and baked in a round pan with a removable bottom. It has a smooth, rich flavor with minimal additional ingredients, letting the cheesecake stand out. Italian Ricotta Cheesecake: A lighter version of the classic, Italian Cheesecake is made with ricotta cheese as its base. It has a smooth, soft feel and a sweet taste, often brightened with citrus zest, vanilla, or even a few chocolate chips. Japanese Souffl Cheesecake: It is a cheesecake made using souffl techniques. Its airy, soft, and has a slight wobble when you move it. Created in Japan in the 1990s, this cheesecake gained attention when videos of its signature jiggle went viral on social media. German Cheesecake (Ksekuchen): It is a traditional German cheesecake made with quark cheese. Its not as heavy as cream cheese versions, but its still rich. The taste is more natural and mild, letting the dairy come through. French Style Cheesecake: Made with Neufchtel cheese, this French cheesecake has a mild taste. Its consistency is smooth, sitting between a flan-like cheesecake and traditional cheesecake. Apart from the regional differences, there are three main ways to make cheesecake, and each one brings out its own unique qualities: How to Make Cheesecake: Preparation Methods Baked: This traditional method bakes the cheesecake slowly in a water bath. It gives the cheesecake a dense, creamy texture and a slight dome on top. No-bake: This version uses refrigeration instead of heat to set the filling. The texture is fluffier and mousse-like, making it especially refreshing in warm weather. Burnt Basque: This method originates from Spains Basque region. It uses high-temperature baking to create a caramelized exterior while keeping the inside creamy. The slightly burnt top and smooth center create a one-of-a-kind flavor experience. Most Popular Cheesecake Flavors Lets explore some of the trending cheesecake flavors that are making waves on social media and contributing to the global cheesecake popularity, taking over dessert menus everywhere. Biscoff Cheesecake If you've noticed the Biscoff craze lately, you're not alone. This biscoff cheesecake variety brings together smooth cheesecake with the warm cookie flavor that Lotus Biscoff is known for. The cookies show up in the base and often as crumbles on top, while some versions include that addictive Biscoff spread as a layer or swirl. The cookies show up in the base and often as crumbles on top. Some versions even include that addictive Biscoff spread as a layer or swirl. Also, this flavor combination became hugely popular during the lockdown and hasn't slowed down since. (We'll tell you more about the Lotus Biscoff story later. It's quite something!) Lemon Cheesecake When regular cheesecake feels too heavy, lemon cheesecakes steps in to save the day. The tangy lime balances the rich cream cheese, making it a refreshing and popular cheesecake choice, especially during the warmer months. Today, lemon cheesecake often comes topped with a glossy lemon curd or thin lime slices, making it as beautiful as it is delicious. Neapolitan Cheesecake Remember that classic three-flavored ice cream? Its now made its way into cheesecake form. Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry come together in beautiful layers, giving you three different flavors with a buttery biscuit base. Neapolitan become a favorite for celebrations since it often means everyone at the table finds a flavor they love. Plus, it makes for great photos. No wonder it's all over Instagram! Brownie Cheesecake Is it a brownie? Is it a cheesecake? Actually, its both! This ones all about that perfect combination of fudgy brownie and creamy cheesecake. Instead of the usual biscuit base, you get a brownie foundation that adds a whole new dimension to the cake. This brownie cheesecake become particularly popular among chocolate lovers who can't decide between two desserts. And here's an interesting fact. This combination first gained popularity in American diners during the 1990s, but it's now having a major comeback. Toffee Cheesecake The buttery toffee and cheesecake go so well together. Toffee cheesecake filling stays creamy, with bits of toffee adding a nice crunch. Some versions even have a golden caramel top that cracks like crme brle when you dig in. If youre wondering, English-style toffee is often used here. It is firmer and more buttery than the American kind. Red Velvet Cheesecake This Red velvet cheesecake brings together two American classics into one. The signature red color is achieved through a chemical reaction between cocoa powder, vinegar, and buttermilk. Its the same process used in traditional red velvet cake. What makes this version stand out is how it balances the chocolatey flavor with the cream cheese. By the way, cream cheese is also a key ingredient in classic red velvet cake frosting. The dramatic red color makes it a particularly popular choice for Valentines Day celebrations. Blueberry Cheesecake A classic that never goes out of style! We all know blueberry cheesecake offers more than just great taste. The blueberries have a tangy flavor that helps balance the creaminess of the cheesecake. Also, those purple swirls and toppings make it incredibly photogenic, turning it into a treat for both the eyes and your gram! Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Sometimes, its the simplest touches that make the biggest difference. Chocolate chips scattered throughout the filling melt into little pockets of rich flavor in every bite. The chips can be milk, dark, or even white chocolate, each adding its own character to the dessert. This variety became popular in the 1980s and has stayed a menu favorite ever since. Mango Cheesecake Mango cheesecake brings a taste of sunshine to the classic dessert, no matter the time of year. The natural sweetness of mangoes means you dont need much sugar, making it a lighter option. Popular across India and growing in popularity worldwide, this version often has fresh mango pieces on top or a smooth mango puree swirl. And if you want the best of the best, look for cheesecakes made with Alphonso mangoes. Its called the "King of Mangoes" for its rich taste and incredible aroma. Why Lotus Biscoff is Perfect for Cheesecakes The Rise of Biscoff You've probably noticed Lotus Biscoff everywhere these days. It's in your coffee shop, on dessert menus, and definitely in cheesecakes. It all started with a Belgian cookie (called Speculoos) that was traditionally served with coffee. The signature blend of cinnamon, ginger, and other warm spices creates a caramelized, nostalgic flavor that's honestly hard to describe but impossible to forget. Why It Works in Cheesecakes When Lotus turned these cookies into a spread, it opened new possibilities for bakers. Bakers found that this spread works wonders in cheesecakes. It adds warmth to the cool creaminess and brings a depth that's different from regular caramel or vanilla. The cookies themselves make the perfect crust too. They add that signature crunch and spice kick that plain graham crackers just can't match. Well, we've seen just how special cheesecakes are! And if you're anything like us, you're probably craving a slice right now! And honestly? It's not going anywhere anytime soon. What's more, the global cheesecake market is growing fast and is expected to reach $26.6 billion by 2030, with a 4% annual growth rate, making cheesecake one of the most popular desserts worldwide. At Happy Belly Bakes, we're a bit obsessed with making the perfect cheesecake. And when we say perfect, we mean the kind that makes you close your eyes and smile with that first bite. Skip the wait and order straight from our website, because hey, who doesn't want happiness delivered to their doorstep?
