by Catalogs.com Info Guru Elizabeth Sobiski

Did you know? July 30th is national cheesecake day.

An entire day dedicated to the cake so well known and loved throughout the United States. It seems like everyone has a version they like most, from traditional to exotic. Here, we’ve rounded up the top 10 cheesecake inspired desserts – try one or try them all. You’re sure to find a new favorite along the way!

10. Cheesecake Frozen Yogurt

Cheesecake is great all on its own. Taking that flavor and turning it into a cold treat perfect for warmer weather – no oven involved here – is even better. In a large bowl, combine an 8-ounce package of cream cheese, 1 teaspoon vanilla and the juice of half of a lemon. Then add in a 32-ounce container of plain Greek yogurt, a can of sweetened condensed milk and ½-cup of your favorite fruit jam (such as raspberry). Once everything is mixed together, place it into an ice cream maker and follow manufacturer’s directions. When the machine is finished, transfer the frozen yogurt to a storage container. Swirl in another ½-cup of jam and a cup of fresh fruit, the same kind as in the jam. Freeze several hours before serving. To make it more like cheesecake, sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs before serving.

9. Cheesecake popsicles

These are another fun way to have cheesecake in individual servings for special events. Special order cheesecake pops for a wedding favor that guests will melt over. They are easy to serve and super pretty on a buffet, as well.

8. Cheesecake Mug Cakes

Sometimes there isn’t time to make an entire cake. Or maybe you’d like to control portions better and not have a week or more of desserts on hand. Whatever the reason, this cake is super simple and great tasting. In a small bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs and 1 tablespoon melted butter. In another bowl, combines 4 tablespoons light cream cheese, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 egg, ¼-teaspoon vanilla and 2 ½ tablespoons of sugar. Spray a microwave safe mug with non-stick spray and add the cracker mix to the bottom. Press it down firmly to form the classic crust. Pour the batter from the other bowl into the mug, cover it with a paper towel or napkin and microwave for 1 minute. Check it for doneness (it should be firm in the center). If it’s still a bit loose, cook for another 20 seconds. Repeat until cake is ready. Let it cool a few minutes before adding your favorite topping or diving in with a spoon.

7. Cheesecake Pie with Caramel and Pecans

Bring the flavors of a cheesecake into this delightful pie that is a snap to make. Your base is a premade pie crust, cutting down on prep time. The first layer in this pie is a mixture of 8-ounces cream cheese, ½-cup sugar, 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Next is 1 ¼-cup of chopped pecan, sprinkled over the first layer. Bake in a 375 (F) degree oven for 35-40 minutes and chill it in the refrigerator overnight. Drizzle with caramel sauce and additional chopped pecans before serving.

6. Caramelized Cheesecake Bites

This recipe is perfect for treats to bring to a party and can be made in less than an hour since you’re using mini muffin tins. Break out your kitchen scale because this recipe uses weights instead of traditional measurements. In one bowl, mix up 150 grams flour, 100 grams softened butter, 40 grams sugar and ½ teaspoon salt for the crust. For the cake filling, combine 500 grams cottage cheese, 200 grams cream cheese, 1 egg and 60 grams sugar. In a third and last bowl, stir together 5 tablespoons melted butter, 4 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Brush inside of muffin tins with the butter/brown sugar/cinnamon – this ends up forming the caramel crust. Next add the cake filling evenly throughout the pan. Top everything off with the crust mixture and bake in a preheated 320 (F) degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before inverting the bites onto a platter.

5. Stuffed Berries

This no-bake recipe is handy for a quick dessert or snack. Mix 8 ounces cream cheese with ½ cup powdered sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stem, hull and rinse one pound of fresh strawberries. Use a paring knife to cut off a small amount of the bottom so each berry can stand on its own. Fill a pastry or food storage bag with the cheese filling and pipe into the prepared strawberries. Chill for an hour or so to firm up the filling.

4. Slow cooker cheesecake

This one takes all the guesswork out of baking cheesecake. Place a metal trivet or rack in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add enough hot water to come up about an inch and a half up the sides. Wrap a spring-form pan with plastic wrap and then cover with foil. This helps ensure no water seeps into the pan. Fill the pan with your favorite cheesecake recipe. Place the filled pan into the slow cooker and cook on high for two hours. To keep condensation from dripping on the cake, wrap the lid in a tea towel. Once the two hours are up, turn the cooker off. Without removing the lid, let the cake cool for another two hours. Remove cake and chill overnight.

3. Lemon Bars

Do you love lemon? This recipe is for you – and it’s easy. Take your favorite shortbread recipe and bake it in a single layer in a 9-inch by 13-inch dish. On top of the shortbread, spread on a traditional cheesecake filling and bake for 45 to 60 minutes at 325 (F) degrees. When it’s cool, top with lemon curd and sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

2. Banana Cheesecake Parfaits

Banana pudding is taken to the next level with the addition of cream cheese. Make instant banana pudding according to package directions, then add in an 8-ounce brick of cream cheese and combine well. Make parfaits with a layer of vanilla cookie, sliced banana and pudding. Repeat at least once per dessert. Top with whipped cream.

1. Cheesecake Bars with Apples and Yogurt

This is the perfect fall recipe, warming and fresh at the same time. Crush gingersnaps and mix one cup of crumbs with three tablespoons of melted butter. Press this into the bottom of a 9-inch square pan. Combine 2 cups plain Greek yogurt, 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ cup sugar all together in a bowl. Pour on top of the crust. Add a layer of 4 medium apples that have been cored and chopped. Bake in a 350 (F) degree oven for about 45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set. Cool completely before cutting.