Ask ten people for «the best cheesecake in the world» and you will get ten different answers, because cheesecake is not one cake but a whole family. Some are dense, some are fluffy, some are almost liquid in the middle. Here are the seven most famous cheesecake styles, what makes each one unique, and which cheesecakes won the big awards in 2026.
1. New York cheesecake (USA)
The global reference for many people: dense, smooth and rich, made with cream cheese and baked slowly, usually on a graham-cracker base. Junior’s in Brooklyn is one of its best-known addresses, and its «No. 1 Original Cheesecake» is a New York classic.
2. Basque burnt cheesecake (San Sebastián, Spain)
Created around 1990 by Santiago Rivera at La Viña, a bar in San Sebastián’s Old Town. No base, a top baked until almost burnt and a soft, creamy centre. It went viral in the 2010s and The New York Times even named it a flavor of the year in 2021. Find the original in our guide to the best Basque cheesecake in San Sebastián.
3. Japanese cotton cheesecake (Japan)
Light, airy and jiggly, almost a soufflé. Whipped egg whites give it its famous bounce. Chains like Uncle Tetsu made it popular worldwide.
4. Italian ricotta cheesecake (Italy)
Made with ricotta instead of cream cheese, so it is lighter and slightly grainy, often flavored with citrus zest or vanilla.
5. German Käsekuchen (Germany)
Made with quark, a fresh, tangy cheese. Lighter and less sweet than the American style, usually on a shortcrust base.
6. Polish sernik (Poland)
Traditionally made with twaróg, a farmer’s cheese, sometimes with raisins or a chocolate glaze. A staple of Polish holidays.
7. Spanish quesada and regional cheesecakes (Spain)
Spain has a long cheesecake tradition beyond San Sebastián, from the quesada pasiega of Cantabria to modern versions with local sheep’s cheeses such as Idiazabal. Read more (in Spanish) about which cheese to use.
Award-winning cheesecakes of 2026
| Award | Winner | Style |
|---|---|---|
| I National Cheesecake Contest (Fromago, Zamora, Sept. 2026) | Nacho Pontón, Pastelería Pontón (San Lorenzo de El Escorial) | Three-cheese blend |
| Michelin Guide selection of best cheesecakes in its Spanish restaurants (2026) | Ama (Tolosa), served in San Sebastián at Bertakoteka | Basque, with a touch of blue cheese |
| Same Michelin selection | La Revelía (Amorebieta) | Basque-style minis, 100% Idiazabal |
Full details (in Spanish) in our article on the best cheesecakes in Spain in 2026 and on Bertakoteka.
So, which is the best?
It depends on what you love: dense and rich (New York), creamy and caramelised (Basque), light and fluffy (Japanese) or tangy and fresh (Käsekuchen, ricotta). If you are visiting Spain, the Basque one is the must-try, and San Sebastián is where to eat it. Curious about flavors? See the most popular cheesecake flavors in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous cheesecake in the world?
The New York cheesecake and the Basque burnt cheesecake from San Sebastián are the two most famous styles worldwide, followed by the Japanese cotton cheesecake.
Where was Basque cheesecake invented?
At La Viña, a bar in San Sebastián’s Old Town, where Santiago Rivera created it around 1990.
Which cheesecake won the best cheesecake in Spain award in 2026?
Nacho Pontón of Pastelería Pontón (San Lorenzo de El Escorial) won the first National Cheesecake Contest held at Fromago, in Zamora, in September 2026.