The History of Cheesecake (And Why We Still Love It)
Cheesecake’s story spans thousands of years. It started from a humble ancient Greek energy snack to the creamy indulgence we know today.
This beloved dessert has crossed cultures, evolved in countless ways, and remains one of the most celebrated sweets worldwide.
In this article, we’ll explore cheesecake’s rich history, its journey through time, the different types enjoyed across the globe, and why its charm continues to captivate dessert lovers everywhere.
Cheesecake's Ancient Beginnings and Adaptation to the Modern World
Before cheesecake became a staple in patisseries, it was believed to have been served to athletes in ancient Greece around 776 BC during the first Olympic Games. Made with simple ingredients like cheese, honey, and wheat, it was a source of energy and nutrition. The Romans later adopted and refined the recipe, spreading it across Europe as their empire grew.
As the Roman Empire fell, the cheesecake continued to conquer the world. In medieval Europe, cheesecakes became sweeter and creamier, often infused with spices and fruits. By the 18th century, the dessert crossed the Atlantic to America, where the introduction of cream cheese in the late 1800s transformed it into the velvety version we know today.
Types of Cheesecake Around the World
New York Style
Known for its dense, rich texture and bold cream cheese flavour, New York-style cheesecake is often enjoyed plain or with a light fruit topping. It’s baked at high heat, then slowly cooled for that perfect balance of firmness and creaminess.
Basque Burnt Cheesecake
Originating from Spain’s Basque region, this cheesecake is baked at a high temperature to achieve a caramelised top while keeping the inside lusciously soft and slightly molten.
Japanese Soufflé Cheesecake
Light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like, Japanese soufflé cheesecake blends cream cheese with whipped egg whites for an airy texture that melts in your mouth.
No-Bake Cheesecake
The no-bake cheesecake has gained popularity because of soft and creamy texture. Enhancing the eating experience is its cold serving temperature which enhances its tangy flavor.
Profiterole Patisserie’s Cheesecake Collection
Oreo Cheesecake
A dream for cookie lovers, our Oreo Cheesecake layers velvety cream cheese filling with crushed Oreo biscuits for a delightful crunch in every bite. Finished with a rich Oreo topping, it’s the perfect fusion of creamy indulgence and chocolatey nostalgia.
Blueberry Cheesecake
Our Blueberry Cheesecake is a classic favourite as it pairs silky cream cheese with the bright, tangy sweetness of fresh blueberries. Topped with a glossy blueberry compote, it offers a refreshing twist on the traditional cheesecake.
Baked Ricotta Cheesecake
Light yet satisfying, our Baked Ricotta Cheesecake uses ricotta for a delicate, slightly tangy flavour and airy texture. It’s a timeless Italian-style dessert that feels both rustic and refined.
Passionfruit Cheesecake
Tropical and tangy, our Passionfruit Cheesecake balances creamy richness with the vibrant zest of fresh passionfruit. Every forkful is a burst of sunshine that's perfect for warm afternoons or a refreshing end to a meal.
Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake
For those who love a caramelised biscuit flavour, our Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake is pure decadence. A creamy cheesecake base is topped with a smooth Lotus Biscoff spread, delivering a sweet, spiced finish.
Ricotta Cheesecake with Nutella
A match made in dessert heaven, our Ricotta Cheesecake with Nutella combines the lightness of ricotta with the rich, chocolate-hazelnut decadence of Nutella. Every bite is smooth, nutty, and irresistibly moreish.
Why Cheesecake Endures Across Generations
A Dessert for Every Taste
From dense and indulgent to light and airy, there’s a cheesecake for every palate. Its adaptability in flavour, citrus, chocolate, fruit, or even savoury, means it never goes out of style.
Timeless Elegance
Cheesecake holds an understated sophistication. Whether served at weddings, corporate events, or casual family dinners, it always feels like a treat worth celebrating.
Cultural Connection
Cheesecake recipes are often passed down through families, making them a bridge between generations and cultures. Every bite tells a story of heritage and shared moments.
Cheesecake as a Living Tradition
Cheesecake isn’t just a dessert. It’s a living, evolving tradition. From its ancient Greek roots to its countless modern variations, it proves that great food transcends time and borders. The next time you savour a slice, remember you’re part of a story thousands of years in the making. One that will continue to inspire bakers and delight taste buds for generations to come.
At Profiterole Patisserie, we believe every slice of cheesecake is a chance to create a moment worth remembering. From classic baked varieties to unique seasonal flavours, our cheesecakes are made fresh to bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Explore our
Shop All Cakes page and find your perfect match.
Written by Jason Yacoub from Profiterole Patisserie
Date written: 12/08/2025
FAQs
What is the oldest known cheesecake recipe?
The earliest records date back to ancient Greece, where cheesecakes were made with cheese, honey, and wheat.
While the technique has evolved, and some newer ingredients have been added, the idea of combining creamy cheese with sweetness remains unchanged.
Which country created cheesecake?
The earliest records of cheesecake go all the way back to Ancient Greece, where it was served to athletes during the first Olympic Games around 776 BC.
From there, the Romans adopted it and eventually spreading it throughout Europe.
Over centuries, each country shaped cheesecake into its own style, leading to the wide variety we know today.
Is baked cheesecake better than no-bake cheesecake?
It’s all about preferences.
Do you like a rich and dense flavour as well as an established texture on your cheesecake? If so, baked cheesecake is for you.
But if you prefer a lighter taste and creamier texture, the no-bake cheesecake will definitely satisfy you.
What are the different types of cheesecakes?
Cheesecake comes in many delicious forms, and each one has its own charm.
The classic New York cheesecake is dense, creamy, and rich. It is often served plain or with a simple fruit topping.
A no-bake cheesecake is lighter and chilled, perfect for summer days when you don’t want the oven on.
European variations include Italian ricotta cheesecake, which is more delicate, and German quark-based cheesecake, which has a tangier bite.
Even Japanese “soufflé” cheesecake has gained fans worldwide with its airy, fluffy texture.
What’s the difference between ricotta and cream cheese cheesecake?
Cream cheese gives cheesecake a smooth, dense richness without added texture.
On the other hand, ricotta creates a lighter, slightly grainier texture with a subtle savoury note.
Both are delicious in their own way.
