Forget the factory—these cheesecake recipes taste even better

I am here to set the record straight: You do not have to shlep to the Cheesecake Factory to get a truly legendary slice of cheesecake (although I do love each and every flavor). Cheesecake, especially homemade cheesecake, is a real thing of beauty, and something that's not at all hard to make at home. I know it can be intimidating—from making a graham cracker crust from scratch to setting up a water bath, it can seem like a LOT. Trust me, though: Making cheesecake is easier than you think! Whip up one of these easy, homemade recipes and everyone will be 100% convinced you're a baking pro.

Even if you're a cheesecake purist (classic and strawberry only!) or like to live on the wild side, we've got a cheesecake here for everyone—no flipping through that massive menu required. And hey, the Factory is known for their desserts...but so are we! We've got a number of recipes here you won't find at your local fast-casual dinner spot. Some of our favorites have gotta be our mash-up cheesecakes that combine two desserts in one, but we're also pretty partial to our super easy no-bake cheesecakes (for obvious, slightly lazy reasons).

Millionaire's Cheesecake

Also known as a caramel slice or caramel shortbread, millionaire’s shortbread is a classic dessert that consists of three layers: buttery shortbread, rich and chewy caramel, and a thick coating of chocolate. To make an even more luxurious and indulgent dessert fit for a millionaire, we added a fourth layer in the form of cheesecake, a rich dessert all on its own that makes this all the more decadent.

Copycat The Cheesecake Factory Lemon Raspberry Cream Cheesecake

The Cheesecake Factory has nothing on our version of their lemon raspberry cream cheesecake. The crust is a simple vanilla sponge cake that’s topped with a layer of tart raspberry-dipped ladyfingers, then a lemon cheesecake, and finally a lemon white chocolate mousse. It has several components, which means it takes some time and patience to re-create, but the outcome is highly worth it.

Bananas Foster Cheesecake

Bananas Foster is a classic dessert that should never go out of style, and now we’re bringing it back in with this bananas Foster cheesecake. Boozy caramelized bananas are piled over a fluffy banana cheesecake for a classy, showstopping dessert that’s sure to be the belle of any ball you bring her to.

No-Bake Rice Krispies Cheesecake

No longer do you have to decide between a Rice Krispies treat or a slice of cheesecake. This incredible mashup has a crust made from Rice Krispies, which holds together perfectly and is filled with an easy no-bake cheesecake filling that features extra Marshmallow Fluff. It’s definitely designed for those with a sweet tooth, but it’s a fun and unique dessert to serve no matter what.

Espresso Martini Cheesecake

Espresso martini connoisseurs, this cheesecake is for you. The cheesecake filling is spiked with coffee liqueur and espresso to make it super-rich and creamy, and the top gets the iconic dusting of cocoa powder over an espresso-infused whipped cream. Don’t worry, we’d never leave out the espresso beans either.

The Cheesecake Factory Cinnabon Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake

With layers of cinnamon crunch cake, cheesecake, and cream cheese frosting, this cheesecake is the definition of indulgence. Our copycat version is nearly identical, and we're pretty proud of how it turned it out. While it isn't a short process, and you're definitely going to dirty some pans, we promise the end result is worth the effort.

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mango-Key Lime Cheesecake

The Cheesecake Factory has 34 flavors of cheesecake, but their mango Key lime really stands out. You can see why—It’s got creamy mango and Key lime cheesecake, a layer of fluffy mango mousse, and a layer of mango glaze, all encased in a vanilla-coconut crust. 😍

Baklava Cheesecake

Baklava is already one of our not-too-sweet dessert faves, so turning it into a cheesecake felt like an obvious way to take things to the next level. Instead of the traditional pressed graham cracker, the crust is made from layers of butter-brushed phyllo dough, chopped walnuts and pistachios, and a hearty drizzle of honey, just like a traditional baklava.

Creamsicle Cheesecake

Classic Cheesecake

Cheesecake is one of those desserts that’s amazing, classic, and...gets a bad rap for being impossibly difficult to make. We’re here to tell you: Involved doesn’t have to mean difficult! Here, we’re laying out all the tips and tricks you’ll need to become a cheesecake expert.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Take your pecan pie to the next level by turning it into a rich and nutty cheesecake! Extra-creamy base + sweet and sticky pecan topping = best Thanksgiving dessert ever.

Funfetti Cheesecake

Why choose just one dessert for your birthday celebration when you can have two classics in one? With the creaminess of cheesecake and the fluffiness of birthday cake, this two-in-one treat has it all.

Raspberry Cheesecake

This creamy, decadent cheesecake is swirled with a raspberry sauce to create a showstopper of a dessert, perfect for Valentine's. The raspberry sauce recipe will make more than you need for the swirls, so spoon it over top each slice right before serving.

Chocolate Cheesecake

Have you ever wondered what a gooey chocolate brownie paired with cheesecake would taste like? Look no further! This chocolate cheesecake recipe is a chocolate lover’s dream. It’s rich, silky smooth, moist, and almost fudge-like—everything you want in a chocolate dessert.

Cheesecake Cupcakes

Who doesn't love an ultra-creamy slice of cheesecake? This mini version is super-easy to make (no water bath!), but just as delicious as its full-size counterpart, and much easier to share with guests.

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

If you’re looking for a showstopping, mouthwatering dessert to impress dinner guests, look no further than this lemon meringue cheesecake recipe. The layers of graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, bright yellow lemon curd, and a big swoop of toasted meringue will get everyone in a frenzy even before their first bite.

Butter Pecan Cheesecake

Toasty, buttery pecans turn a classic cheesecake into an even more decadent and rich dessert. Butter pecan brings us comfort, and the flavors go so well into a cheesecake. Our traditional graham cracker crust gets a little boost with more pecans to make it even better. It’s perfect as is, but topped off with whipped cream and even more pecans makes it the best slice of cheesecake you'll ever try.

Turtle Cheesecake

This rich turtle cheesecake takes its inspiration from turtles, a delicious chocolate candy filled with gooey chewy caramel, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, and crunchy toasted pecans all throughout.

No-Bake Whipped Ricotta Cheesecake

"No-bake" and "whipped" in the same recipe name as "cheesecake"? Sure! The whipped ricotta and mascarpone combination lightened with whipped cream is quite dreamy.

Peach Cobbler Cheesecake

This peach cobbler cheesecake has everything you love about a classic cheesecake, a peach cobbler, AND a peach crumble combined into one delicious summer dessert.

Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecakes

Chocolate-covered strawberries + cheesecake = OMG. Plus, since you're covering them in chocolate, you don't have to worry about your cheesecakes cracking. Win!

Apple Pie Cheesecake

Layered and absolutely stunning, this apple pie cheesecake really changes the game for us. Now we can enjoy two iconic desserts—apple pie and cheesecake—all in one bite.

Strawberry Cheesecake

Want to give classic cheesecake an elegant (and easy!) upgrade? This strawberry topping is your answer. All you need to do is heat together strawberry preserves and lemon juice until smooth and thick then brush it over fresh strawberries on top of your cooled and beautiful cheesecake.

Carrot Patch Cheesecake

A combo between our super-cute carrot patch brownies and our dirt cake, this cheesecake is sure to elicit some oohs and ahhs from your Easter dinner guests.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Caramel apple fans—this cheesecake recipe is the fall dessert that will truly wow at your Thanksgiving dinner. With a gingersnap cookie crust, a classic, creamy cheesecake filling, and an apple cider-caramel topping (with apples and toasted pecans!), this cheesecake has everything you could ever want in a seasonal treat.

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Love cinnamon rolls? Us too! While we’ve got a couple different hacks and recipes to get our fix (cinnamon roll cookies, anyone?), this is by far the most impressive. We took the decadent breakfast treat and turned it into a cinnamon sugar-filled cheesecake that’s sure to elicit wows.

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake

Is it even a true visit to Cheesecake Factory if you don't top off your meal with some of their iconic cheesecakes? They have dozens of flavors (all of them delicious), but there is something to be said for their classic, plain cheesecake topped with glazed strawberries and whipped cream.

Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake

Lemon and blueberry is the dynamic duo that shines in many of our favorite spring desserts, but this one might take the cake. This bright and fruity combo takes center stage in this creamy cheesecake recipe, littered with blueberries and topped with an irresistible homemade blueberry sauce.

Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Banana pudding makes our heart sing—it's the world's perfect dessert: Classy enough to serve at a wedding, trashy enough to bring in an aluminum baking sheet to a BBQ. We've turned it into just about any dessert you can imagine: cheesecake bars, poke cake, and now this cheesecake.

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Oreo Cheesecake

When it comes to a Cheesecake Factory cheesecake, we don't expect anything less than extreme decadence. With five indulgent layers of chocolate and sandwich cookies, this Oreo dream cheesecake certainly delivers that and more.

Basque Cheesecake

Originally created by La Viña Bar in San Sebastian, Spain, the recipe for Basque cheesecake is basically foolproof. Unlike an American-style cheesecake, it's baked without a crust and at a high temperature. This caramelizes the outer layer while the center stays light and creamy.

Apple Crisp Cheesecake

One of the best things about this cheesecake? (Besides that caramel drizzle, of course!) Since it's covered in toppings, you can skip the water bath. It might still crack, but no one will care when they're biting into that crunchy oat topping. 😍

Key Lime Cheesecake

We love cheesecake. We love key lime pie. This one really seemed like a no-brainer! The tanginess of key limes mixed with creamy decadent cheesecake is so good, we think even dessert purists will approve.

Vegan Cheesecake

This cake is downright magic. A vegan cheesecake that tastes shockingly smooth, creamy, and rich. The secret? Soaked cashews! Cashews are an amazing ingredient that can be used across a variety of recipes, in anything ranging from a sweet & sour stir-fry to super-creamy vegan mac & cheese, and it's no exception here.

Butter Pecan Cheesecake

Toasty, buttery pecans turn a classic cheesecake into an even more decadent and rich dessert. It’s perfect as is, but top it off with some homemade whipped cream and even more pecans to make it the best slice of cheesecake you'll ever try.

No-Bake Cheesecake

The only downside to cheesecake is how long it takes to bake and how fussy it can be (water bath? no thank you!). A no-bake cheesecake takes all the stress away (and no, you don't have to bake the crust!).

Instant Pot Oreo Cheesecake

This Instant Pot cheesecake is the perfect size: It yields cute little slices that won't make you feel too guilty for eating a second serving. Hot tip: wrap your the cake pan twice in foil to make sure steam doesn't get into the cheesecake and make the top soggy.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake

Pineapple upside-down cake and cheesecake belong together. The creamy cheesecake layer makes this classic cake extra decadent. You are going to flip for this.

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Peppermint Bark Cheesecake

It doesn’t get more festive than everyone’s favorite holiday menu special from The Cheesecake Factory. Peppermint bark meets cheesecake in this minty, chocolate-y epic dessert. Studded with chopped chocolate and candy canes, it tastes just like the real thing.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Pumpkin cheesecake is rich and decadent, the prima donna of holiday desserts. For this version, we’ve stripped it down and put the focus on its true essence: a thick, crunchy crust, and a super-creamy, super-pumpkin-y filling.

Mini Eggnog Cheesecakes

Eggnog is one of the best ways we know how to celebrate the holidays so, naturally, we had to turn some into mini cheesecakes. Using gingersnaps for the crust makes these extra easy and makes them taste even more seasonal.

Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake

With an Oreo crust and ganache topping, this is one of our favorite cheesecakes to make for Christmas. It's peppermint bark in cheesecake form, and we can't get enough!

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Figuring out how to make dessert during Thanksgiving while the turkey is in the oven can be a nightmare. That's why you need this no-bake cheesecake. While we love our classic pumpkin cheesecake, we go crazy for the no-bake option—it's a MAJOR time-saver.

Bailey's Cheesecake

This creamy, decadent cheesecake is made even MORE creamy and decadent with the addition of Baileys. And don't worry if yours cracks while baking — that's what the ganache is for!

Boston Cream Cheesecake

If you love Boston Cream Pie, prepare to freak out over this cheesecake. Looking for something a little easier to make? Try our Boston Cream poke cake.

Brownie Bottom Pumpkin Cheesecake

Let’s face it: Pumpkin anything is a crowd pleaser in its own right. When combined with two of the most popular desserts in the history of the dessert creation (brownies and cheesecake), this becomes a must-make for fall.

Sweet Potato Cheesecake

Sweet potato adds a nuttiness and earthy sweetness that takes a normal cheesecake to another, more festive level. Add that to a gingersnap cookie crust, and you've got a spice-filled autumnal twist on a classic we bet you'll make again and again this fall.