Making a homemade cheesecake can seem like a daunting task. How do you keep the top from cracking? What’s the difference between New York, Philly, and Italian style? What even is a springform pan anyway? Instead of bothering, you should just get a slice from Cheesecake Factory right?
Wrong. These simple but satisfying takes on everyone’s favorite cheesy dessert will provide you all of the decadence of a homemade cheesecake with half the effort.
3-Ingredient Oreo Cheesecake Truffles
Photo by Christine Pritula
Everyone knows that Oreo is the best flavor of cheesecake you can find, and with all that flavor packed into one easy-to-make truffle, your taste buds might just literally explode.
Oreo Cheesecake Bars
Photo by Isabella Martin
If you don’t mind using your oven, take the Oreo and cream cheese combo up a notch. The best part? Bars require less cooling time, meaning you get to dig in to your sweet treat even quicker.
Mini Cheesecake Parfaits with Fresh Berries
Photo by Katherine Richter
To make a slightly lighter dessert, you can always pair your cheesecake with fresh fruit. Plus, if you throw it in a cup and call it a parfait, you will make it sound fancy and can claim that you’re being healthy.
Cheesecake Cookie Sandwiches
Photo by Isabelle Smith
What happens when you slather cream cheese filling between two vanilla wafers and decorate them with sprinkles? You get a cookie sandwich that’s almost too adorable to eat. Almost.
Pop-Tart Cheesecake Truffles
Photo by Arden Sarner
If vanilla wafers and sprinkles left you feeling nostalgic, I’ve got a recipe that will truly bring you back to your childhood. Grab some Pop tarts, a block of cream cheese, and your favorite kind of chocolate to make a truffle that will leave your inner child jumping for joy.
Funfetti Cheesecake Cookie Cups
Photo by Courtney Lewis
Ditch the birthday cake and make these cream cheese filled cookie cups instead. Their small size and sprinkle topping makes them extra fun. Plus, by using pre-made cookie dough for the base and a simple filling, this recipe cuts down massively on prep and cook time.
Bite-Sized Mini Cheesecakes
Photo by Chi Tran
Who knew there were so many different ways to make cheesecake in a cupcake pan? While you’ll have to put in a little extra effort to make the batter, these require far less cooking and cooling time than the full sized version.
No-Bake Oreo Peppermint Cheesecake in a Jar
Photo by Gabby Phi
I bet you never thought you could wrap cheesecake and give it as a gift, but this recipe proves that misconception wrong. Although these edible presents can be enjoyed all year long, the peppermint flavor and red color makes these jars super festive around Christmas time.
Chocolate Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Photo by Hana Brannigan
If you’ve ever wondered how early you’re allowed to eat cheesecake, these oats are for you. Prep them the night before, and in the morning, you’ll have no trouble pulling yourself out of bed to enjoy this decadent but healthy oatmeal.
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Photo by Bailey Culpepper
These bars combine two dessert classics (cheesecake and pumpkin pie) to create double the fun with half the effort. The most difficult step of this recipe is waiting three hours for the bars to cool before you dig in.
Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
Photo by Clare Beatty
How can such a sophisticated sounding dessert be so simple? Pull out this fancy treat on date night or at a classy dinner party to really impress. No one has to know that they only took you 10 minutes to make.
Single-Serve Oreo Mug Cheesecake
Photo by Natsuko Mazany
On your own for the night instead? Try making it in a mug instead. Nothing goes with a late night Game of Thrones binge than a creamy and indulgent single serve dessert that doesn’t even require an oven.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
Photo by Samantha Cheng
Just the name of this cheesecake spin-off makes my mouth water. The dessert really sells itself, so I’ll just leave you with a friendly reminder to make these brownies ASAP.
Classic Cheesecake with Blueberry Compote
Photo by Kavitha George
Sometimes you just need a good old fashioned slice of cheesecake with no frills or adaptations. When that time comes, don’t be afraid to jump in and give it a go. This straightforward recipe makes baking cheesecake a stress-free and rewarding process.
Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake
Photo by Chelsea Hawk
Don’t worry we haven’t forgotten about those of you with celiac disease or gluten allergies. This classic cheesecake recipe begins with a crust made from gluten-free cookie dough so that everyone can enjoy it. If you’re vegan, we’ve got you covered too.