There’s something irresistible about cheesecake. Maybe it’s the silky filling, the buttery biscuit base or the endless flavour combinations that make this dessert so versatile. Whether you prefer a classic baked cheesecake or a chilled, no-bake version, it’s a dessert that always feels a little special. We've rounded up 7 cheesecake recipes with a twist that you should make at least once in your life. These recipes show just how creative cheesecake can be. The only difficult part is deciding which one to make first!

1. Rooibos honey Basque cheesecake

The burnt Basque cheesecake has taken the baking world by storm in recent years, and this version has a proudly South African twist. In this recipe, Ollie Swart adds a unique local touch by infusing the cream with rooibos tea and sweetening it with honey, which brings warmth and depth.

Rooibos honey Basque cheesecake recipe

2. Milk tart cheesecake

Milk tart is one of South Africa’s most loved desserts, so it makes perfect sense to combine it with cheesecake. In this recipe by Zaynab Paruk, the creamy richness of cheesecake is beautifully blended with the gentle cinnamon-spiced flavours of traditional milk tart. As a result, the dessert feels both familiar and indulgent. Not only does it capture the nostalgic flavour of a classic milk tart but it also adds the smooth texture of cheesecake, making it a comforting treat that’s perfect for sharing at family gatherings.

Milk tart cheesecake recipe

3. Frozen peanut butter cheesecake

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make and seriously indulgent, this frozen peanut butter cheesecake ticks all the boxes. Created by Abigail Donnelly, the filling is smooth and rich with peanut butter and cream cheese, while the base adds a crunchy chocolate element for extra texture. Because it’s frozen rather than baked, it’s also a great option for warmer days.

Frozen peanut butter cheesecake recipe

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4. Ferrero Rocher cheesecake 

Abigail's Ferrero Rocher cheesecake is a chocolate lover’s dream. The filling combines cream cheese with Nutella for that irresistible hazelnut-chocolate flavour, while the topping is finished with a silky chocolate ganache and, of course, Ferrero Rocher chocolates for the ultimate indulgence.

Ferrero Rocher cheesecake recipe

5. Lemon meringue cheesecake

Hannah Lewry has cleverly combined two classic desserts in this recipe. The cheesecake base and filling provide the rich, creamy texture you’d expect, while the fluffy meringue on top adds a delicate sweetness. At the same time, the zesty lemon curd cuts through the richness, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

Lemon meringue cheesecake recipe

6. Raspberry-and-cream cheesecake

Abigail Donnelly’s raspberry-and-cream triple-layer cheesecake brings together a timeless flavour pairing that never goes out of style. The tartness of fresh raspberries perfectly balances the rich, creamy cheesecake filling. Layered three times, the alternating cheesecake, raspberry and cream layers create a stunning visual and textural contrast.

Raspberry-and-cream cheesecake recipe

7. Amasi cheesecake

Chef Nti’s amasi cheesecake brings a fun South African twist to a classic dessert. Instead of the usual cream cheese base, this version uses rich, creamy amasi, a fermented milk beloved across South Africa, which gives the cheesecake a subtly tangy flavour that works beautifully with the sweet biscuit crust. The unbaked style also makes it a great choice for days when you want something delicious without turning on the oven. Plus, a garnish of fresh berries adds pops of colour and freshness that makes it as appealing to look at as it is to eat.

amasi cheesecake recipe

ALSO READ: 4 no-bake cheesecakes to whip up this weekend

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