18 Thanksgiving Cheesecakes

Honey Pecan Cheesecake

Birthdays and holidays are great times for cheesecake, and Christmas is ideal for this particular one. In our annual church baking contest, it won first place! —Tish Frish, Hampden, Maine

Salted Caramel Cappuccino Cheesecake

After spending years living in Seattle, I’ve become a coffee junkie! I had to relocate across the country for a time, so I created this cheesecake with the flavors of salted caramel, coffee and espresso. It lifted me up on days when I felt blue about leaving one of the world’s amazing coffee destinations. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington

Maple-Nut Cheesecake

To vary this delicious cheesecake, add cherries to the top, or swirl raspberry jam throughout before it’s baked. —Wendy Paffenroth, Pine Island, New York

Spiced Pumpkin-Swirl Cheesecake

I have to give my husband credit for this cheesecake. He found a recipe like it and asked if I could make it for him. I always make it for his birthday, and my young daughter loves to help. —Monika Walsh, Monterey, California

Caramel Pecan Cheesecake

I created this creamy cheesecake using two of my favorites—caramel and pecans. It is a stunning cake and rivals any I've tasted. —Deidre Sizer, Cedarville, Ohio

Mallow Cranberry Cheesecake

Specks of cranberry sauce dot this cool and creamy cheesecake. The sugared cranberries on top are optional.—Gloria Colton, Russell, New York

Contest-Winning Pumpkin Cheesecake Dessert

With its gingersnap crust and maple syrup drizzle, this rich and creamy spiced pumpkin dessert never fails to get rave reviews. It cuts nicely, too. —Cathy Hall, Phoenix, Arizona

Caramel Apple Cheesecake

This apple cheesecake won the grand prize in an apple recipe contest. With caramel both on the bottom and over the top, every bite is sinfully delicious. —Lisa Morman, Minot, North Dakota

Caramel Praline-Topped Cheesecake

This cheesecake is a showstopper with its pretty wafer crust, creamy center and the ooey-gooey carmel-pecan topping cascading down the sides. —Laurel Leslie, Sonora, California

Butter Pecan Cheesecake

Fall always makes me yearn for this pecan cheesecake, but it’s delicious in any season. You’ll want to put it on your list of favorite holiday desserts. —Laura Sylvester, Mechanicsville, Virginia

Simple Turtle Cheesecake

For an almost instant dessert, I spread homemade ganache and caramel sauce over premade cheesecake. It always makes busy holidays feel slightly less hectic. —Laura McDowell, Lake Villa, Illinois

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Sour Cream Topping

Instead of a traditional pie, I like to surprise holiday guests with a silky cheesecake. Make it a day ahead and let it chill overnight. It's one less thing you'll have to make on the big day. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas

Sweet Potato Pecan Cheesecake

Your guests will think you've rolled out the red carpet when they set their sights on this elegant, succulent sweet potato cheesecake. The smooth, creamy dessert will leave everyone smiling. —Michelle Appleton-Walker, Chicago, Illinois

Cranberry Mocha Cheesecake

I've made this delicious dessert for quite a few occasions, and it is always a hit. The cranberries make it a perfect finale to a holiday dinner. —Anissa Bednarski, Oronoco, Minnesota

Cheesecake with Caramel Apple Topping

Years ago, I decided to dress up my basic cheesecake by adding a topping of caramel apple slices. The rich, sweet-tart dessert is especially popular during fall and winter. —Joan Huggins, Waynesboro, Mississippi

Pumpkin Cranberry Cheesecake

One Thanksgiving, I was eating pumpkin pie and decided to have some cranberry sauce with it. I loved the combination so much, I experimented and came up with a two-tone cheesecake that has a ruby-red layer at the bottom. —John Abraham, Boca Raton, Florida

Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars

Your whole house will be filled with the aroma of pumpkin spice when you bake these wonderful sweet potato cheesecake bars. They look complicated but are so easy, you can whip up a batch anytime. —Nancy Whitford, Edwards, New York

Easy Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes

Cheesecake is the ultimate comfort food, but a big slice can be too rich. These bite-sized cheesecakes topped with apples and creamy caramel dazzle the senses. —Brandie Cranshaw, Rapid City, South Dakota