Cheesecake

Bright red berries and a sour cream topping make this luscious cheesecake a Christmas favorite at the Old Manor Estate & Hotel on Nevis. Begin preparing the dessert a day before you plan to serve it.

The tender nut crust and a vanilla bean syrup make these cheesecake-like tartlets extra special. Top with more nuts, if you like.

A luscious tropical treat enhanced with a delicious crust made of gingersnap cookies and macadamia nuts. Begin preparing this one day before you plan to serve it.

Ultra-rich mascarpone in the batter produces an extraordinarily creamy cheesecake. The cheesecake must be chilled at least six hours before serving.

Arden Zalman of Sebastopol, California, writes: "My husband and I dined at Syrah, in Santa Rosa, California. The food was delicious, the waitstaff was considerate and knowing, and the desserts were absolutely fantastic. They make a mascarpone cheesecake that is a bit of heaven here on earth. Would it be possible to obtain the recipe? I would love to make this dessert for my family and friends." Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 12 hr (includes cooling and chilling).

Made with heavy cream and gelatin instead of eggs, this no-bake cheesecake has the silky texture of panna cotta. Begin preparing it at least one day ahead.

"While in Vancouver, we had a wonderful meal at Diva at the Met. The star of the show was the Stilton cheesecake. Could you persuade the chef to part with the recipe?" asks Mark Horne of Laurel, Mississippi. Editors' note: Pairing Stilton and rhubarb may sound like a joke, but we had to try it. It turns out that the joke's on us — the combination is terrific. Chef Michael Noble caramelizes the top with a blowtorch, but we think the cheesecake is also delicious without the crackly crust.

A rich cheesecake filling is baked in a tart crust for an elegant twist on a favorite.

At the inn, the cake is decorated with Frangelico-flavored whipped cream and garnished with chocolate-covered almonds. Begin preparing the dessert a day ahead.

Bake this dessert ahead so it can chill overnight.

Cheesecakes have been popular in Britain for five hundred years. Our version has a shortbread crust, butterscotch topping and a filling laced with Scotch whisky.

Coconut and chocolate team up in the filling of this impressive cheesecake, which also has a chocolate cookie crust. Begin making the cake a day before serving.

Prepare this sensational cake one day before you plan to serve it.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.