Celebrate Shavuot With 16 Incredible Cheesecakes

Shavuot, one of the lesser known Jewish holidays, celebrates the giving on the Torah on Mount Sinai. All the Jews gathered around the mountain and heard the Ten Commandments. It was a glorious event, one where the Jews officially became a people, unified with God. We celebrate the holiday by reading the Ten Commandments, learning Torah all night, and…. eating cheesecake. Wait, cheesecake? Yes, cheesecake. There a few reasons why we eat dairy on this day. Milk, a nourishing substance, is connected with the Torah, the greatest nourishment of all, and it is said that the Torah was given on Shabbat, when it would have been forbidden to slaughter animals for feasting. And so, we feasted on dairy. Nobody’s complaining. As we celebrate the giving of the Torah, let’s also celebrate the delicious food we eat with our friends and family! Below is a selection of our favorite cheesecake recipes. Enjoy :-)

1. Creme Fraiche Cheesecake with Brown Butter Streusel

Via bonappetit.com

The gorgeous sauce looks amazing against the cheesecake backdrop, and it's topped with a deliciously crumbly surprise! Our list is starting out pretty strong.

2. Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake

Via smittenkitchen.com

The caramel is the real star of this deliciously chocolaty number. Just a heads up.

3. Perfect New York Cheesecake

Via saveur.com

Isn't she beautiful? This delightfully lemony classic is the ultimate New York cheesecake. It's not too hard to make, and you'll hope for leftovers.

4. Maple Cheesecake With Roasted Pears

Via marthastewart.com

Maple doesn't just flavor this luscious cake, it's also is brushed on thinly sliced pears that are broiled to create a seriously gorgeous effect. Also it's healthier, because of the fruit.

5. Ginger Pumpkin Cheesecake

Via seriouseats.com

Another healthy cheesecake. Just kidding, we're sure it's as decadent as the others, but isn't it pretty? Pumpkin cheesecake on a gingersnap crust, and a spiced walnut topping.

6. Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars

Via sallysbakingaddiction.com

Uhh, are you seeing this? Gooey, creamy, swirly bars. They are adorable, and they have Nutella in them. I think we're done here.

7. Vanilla Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake With Peanut Butter & Coconut

Via thisrawsomeveganlife.com

Are you sitting down? No, really. Okay -- this is vegan. Normally, that would be grounds for disqualification because technically, it just isn't cheesecake, but, look at it! It's got a whiff of overcompensation, but still.

8. Coconut Cheesecake

Via foodsofourlives.com

With this light and creamy coconut number, your guests won't just be saying YES PLEASE to the Torah, but also to a second helping of this delicious cake.

9. Mini Salted Caramel Cheesecakes

Via cookingclassy.com

Salted caramel is the little known 614th Mitzvah. But seriously, folks, these tiny and perfect cheesecake cupcakes are a great alternative to a big ol' cheesecake. Adorable, and en vogue!

10. Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Via tastesoflizzyt.com

With a distinct babka vibe, this cheesecake is literally two cakes in one. It'll make choosing what cake to bake just a little bit easier. You can save that energy for deciding which shul to go to.

11. Oreo Cheesecake

Via bitesofsweetness.blogspot.com

Another hybrid addition to this magnificent list, this pretty and playful creation will appeal to cookie lovers everywhere. And a cookie on every slice means extra energy for walking to shul!

12. Cappuccino Cheesecake

Via bhg.com

Bring the 90s back with this beautiful, tonal dessert. Luscious shades of brown emerge from the magical meeting of cinnamon, chocolate and espresso. Perfect fuel for all-night learning.

13. Mini Blueberry Lemon Cheesecakes

Via cupcakesgarden.com

Herald the Springtime with these lemony delights. Why not turn your Shavuot lunch into an adorable tea party, with an assortment of tiny and delicious cakes? Eat 10 - one for each commandment!

14. Passion Fruit Cheesecake

Via beyondsweetandsavory.com

Try this delightful combination for your next baking endeavor! Tangy and fragrant with floral hints, and reminiscent of the greenery that adorned Mount Sinai, passion fruit shines here.

15. Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Via justputzing.com

First, the good news. You don't need an ice cream maker for this. And the bad news? There is no bad news. This is an especially nice treat if your shul has no air conditioning.

16. Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

Via the-girl-who-ate-everything.com

And our grand finale: strawberries that have CHEESECAKE INSIDE THEM. Pop one, pop two, pop 613!

Happy Shavuot, everybody!

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