Choosing Cheesecake For Your Dessert

A cheesecake is a dessert category all unto itself. It is not really a cake or a pie or custard or even a thick pudding, but truly a unique taste sensation that stands alone among desserts. One characteristic that makes a cheesecake so unique is its ability to be so versatile in flavor. Not only can other complimenting flavors be added to the mixture, but the cheese base itself can be completely different in flavor and texture depending on the type of cheese that is used. While cream cheese is the most common type of cheese that is used there are many other delicious choices. Ricotta, goat cheese, curd, and even yogurt -- which is not even a cheese at all, can be used as the main ingredient. These variations will each result in a very unique dessert experience.

Cheesecakes can be baked completely bereft of any other added flavors or even a crust. This type is usually called "New York Style". Some add a bottom layer of graham cracker, butter and sugar as a crust. From there, the options are limitless. Chocolate is a very popular additive to cheesecakes. The combination of sweet from the sweetened cocoa and tart from the cheese makes this one of the most popular cheesecake variations. Other cheesecakes in the chocolate family include Turtle Cheesecakes, which is a decadent combination of chocolate, walnuts and caramel. Chocolate Chip, Super Fudge Chunk, Chocolate Swirl and German Chocolate are a few more of the delicious alterations on the basic cheesecake recipe.

For added contrast a berry or fruit topping can be spread on top of the dessert adding yet another dimension to the creation. Imagine a swirled chocolate truffle cheesecake with a thick, sweet topping of pureed raspberry compote. Autumn and the holidays offer many seasonal cheesecake varieties that are popular. Probably the most popular would be a pumpkin cheesecake. These can be served plain or swirled with chocolate or made with a gingerbread crust instead of graham cracker. Another luscious holiday cheesecake is a Cranberry Orange Toasted Almond Cheesecake. Imagine an orange flavored cheesecake topped with dried cranberries and toasted almonds all on a buttery graham cracker crust.

Because there are so many appetizing styles and flavors of cheesecake, it is almost impossible to choose what type to serve. Luckily, many great entrepreneurs have provided for this by offering sampler cheesecakes. These are pre-sliced cheesecakes that include an assortment of four or more different varieties. Another cheesecake dessert option for a host is to go with mini cheesecakes. These are small, individually created cheesecakes that are only a few bites each. These decadent little cakes can be purchased in quantities that offer a pre-chosen assortment that may correspond with the season or event or you can choose to get a few of every variety cheesecake available to really impress your guests.