20 Best Cheesecake Recipes for Shavuot

I don’t think I’ve ever met a cheesecake I didn’t like, and the JC Archives is literally packed with recipes for every type of treat you can think of, from traditional baked treats with pastry crusts, to chunky New York-style baked treats, Middle Eastern knafeh, trendy Basque dishes, quick and easy no-bake versions, and even vegan versions that everyone can enjoy.

Here are some of my favorites.

Photo: Inbal Bar Oz

1. Chocolate chip cheesecake pie sandwiched in a tahini-vanilla pie crust, did someone say? We think there’s nothing not to like about Denise Phillips’ ingenious recipe.

2. Basque cheesecake is all the rage right now, which may explain why this recipe is one of the most clicked of all time. Add this crustless, super creamy baked treat from chef Amir Batito to your festive menu.

3. If you fancy something a little more fruity, try Michelin-starred pastry chef Heskey Meyer’s Strawberry Baked Cheesecake, served with a strawberry and basil compote for a summery flavour. Heskey knows his stuff, and his tips for creating the best baked and no-baked versions are full of must-know hacks and tips.

Photo: Quentin Bacon

4. If you love labneh and biscuit bases, you’ll want to try this fantastic recipe full of Middle Eastern flavours from Israeli chef Einat Admony and food writer Janna Gul.

5. Moving on to Scandinavia, Ann Weimar’s Danish Cheesecake is packed with juicy raisins and citrus zest, has an interesting egg twist, and is crustless for those who prefer their cake creamier.

Photo: Sandrine Aime

6. Fabienne Vinaire Luzzato’s Fruity Floral Lavender, Rose and Berry Cheesecake features summer berries, lavender and rose for a deliciously different baked treat that’s perfect for Shavuot.

Photo: Michael Chatzikonstantis

7. I love that traditional Israeli cheesecake comes with a crumble topping. It’s like an inverted pastry: a flaky pastry base is baked and then crumbled on top of a creamy middle. Rimi Robinson’s vanilla recipe is seriously delicious, with a classic Israeli trick: stirring in a vanilla pudding mix to set.

Photo: Inbal Bar Oz

8. Lisa Lukin’s creamy ricotta and mascarpone baked cheesecake has an unusual wheat-free crust and uses ground oat granola bars as a base, which are pushed up the sides of the tin for a spectacular-looking dessert.

9. Lime and chocolate are the perfect combination. Add a ginger crust to make it the perfect combination. It’s also very easy to make. If you don’t believe me, check out the recipe video for Lime, Ginger and Dark Chocolate Cheesecake.

Photo: Victoria Prever

10. Fabienne Vinaire Luzzato’s Rainbow Layered Cheesecake is pretty and colorful, and will be a favorite for those who can’t choose a favorite flavor.

Photo: Inbal Bar Oz

11. If you love Middle Eastern vibes and recipes that are quick and easy, try my no-bake tahini and silan cheesecake, which tastes even better when sprinkled with crunchy crushed sesame peanuts on top.

Photo: Justyna Radon

12. If you like honeycomb-filled chocolate bars, you’ll love this Crunchy Bar Cheesecake from Dennis Phillips.

Photography: Rupa Photography

13. This delicious Middle Eastern baked good by George Tarn and Tracey Fine is made with flaky kunafa dough and fragrant rosewater.

Photo: Claire Winfield

14. Chocolate lovers will love this Israeli-inspired no-bake white chocolate recipe from MasterChef finalist Emma Spitzer.

Photo: Inbal Bar Oz

15. Another great option for chocolate fans is Dennis Phillips’ brownies, which are elevated with creamy cheesecake and summer berries.

16. If you’re looking for a vegan recipe with a traditional feel, try Holly Jade’s Gingerbread No-Bake Cheesecake, creamy with cashews and coconut cream.

Photo: Inbal Bar Oz

17. If you like a plant-based pudding packed with good-for-you ingredients, try Dennis Phillips’ walnut, cashew, medjool date and chocolate recipe.

Photo: Inbal Bar Oz

18. My absolute favorite, and one my family requests every year, is this Maltese Cheesecake, so decadent it’s dangerously indulgent. A little goes a long way.

Photo: Alan Benson

19. From the fantastic collection of recipes from the amazing Australian Monday Morning Cooking Club, Debbie Levy’s Romanian Malai Polenta Cheesecake is simple and delicious. It uses trendy cottage cheese and I love that it’s mixed with polenta for a subtle crunch.

20. And finally, this light and delicious lemon cheesecake with a flaky pastry crust by Rosalind Ruthouse of The Cooking School is another classic recipe that everyone loves.