Cheesecake toppings can transform an ordinary cheesecake into a fun and flavorful dessert that people will remember! You can keep it simple with whipped cream or a drizzle of syrup, or go all out with unique fruit candies or crumbly streusel! You can even use them to dress up plain store bought cheesecake!
Best Cheesecake Toppings
These cheesecake toppings are the best of the best. If you're dressing up a homemade cheesecake or improving a store bought one, you can't go wrong with these sweet additions!
This list features a topping for every taste. From fruity to chocolatey, and there may be a few you haven't tried before!
Jump to:
- Best Cheesecake Toppings
- 1. Roasted Berries
- 2. Blueberry Pie Filling
- 3. Blackberry Pie Filling
- 4. Raspberry Pie Filling
- 5. Pineapple Pie Filling
- 6. Apple Pie Filling
- 7. Stewed Rhubarb
- 8. Cherry Pie Filling
- 9. Candied Orange Slices
- 10. Candied Lemon Slices
- 11. Candied Orange Peel
- 12. Candied Lemon Peel
- 13. Mixed Peel
- 14. Baked Cinnamon Apples
- 15. Chocolate Icing
- 16. Crumb Topping
- 17. Toffee Sauce
- 18. Strawberry Coulis
- 19. Brown Sugar Streusel Topping
- 20. Homemade Blueberry Syrup
- 21. Microwave Lemon Curd
- 22. Pineapple Curd
- 23. Apple Curd
- 24. Tanghulu
- 25. Stabilized Whipped Cream
- What Goes Good With Cheesecakes?
- What Sauce Goes Best On Top Of Cheesecakes?
- How To Decorate The Top Of Cheesecakes
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Cherry Pie Filling
- 💬 Comments & Reviews
1. Roasted Berries
These roasted berries are soft, syrupy, and make the perfect topping for cheesecake. The recipe couldn't be easier, anyone can make them!
I use a blend of fresh strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries to make the perfect berry topping! Every time I make this dessert sauce, my husband raves about it and says, like Guy Fieri, "I'd eat that on a flip flop!"
2. Blueberry Pie Filling
Pie filling isn't just for filling pies- it also makes a fabulous mix-in or topping! It's sweet, syrupy, and easy to spoon over the top of your cheesecake.
There are a few pie fillings on this list, so it comes down to your preferred fruity flavor. In fact, it's the ideal topping for my no-bake blueberry cheesecake.
3. Blackberry Pie Filling
Blackberries are a tad more tart than blueberries. However, they make an equally delicious pie filling (or cheesecake topping)!
This is a great way to use up fresh blackberries, but frozen will work just fine too!
4. Raspberry Pie Filling
Turn fresh or frozen raspberries into a sweet and syrupy cheesecake topping! Bits of whole raspberries add a nice texture that will have you wanting to eat it from the jar.
The bright red color adds to the presentation, as well!
5. Pineapple Pie Filling
Pineapple has a sweet, bright flavor that makes for a fun and unique cheesecake! This tropical topping is perfect for the summer months and pairs well with a margarita by the pool.
6. Apple Pie Filling
Apple pie filling is the perfect addition to any cheesecake. It's especially festive during the fall months and holidays!
You can even make it in advance and freeze it until you need it!
7. Stewed Rhubarb
It's crazy how many people are unfamiliar with rhubarb. When cooked down with some sugar it becomes a sweet sauce that is perfect for spooning over a cheesecake.
Not to mention, how many people can say they've tried a stewed rhubarb cheesecake? Try it and it is sure to become a classic!
8. Cherry Pie Filling
Cherry pie filling is a classic New York cheesecake topping. There's no denying these saucy, sweet cherries are delicious!
It comes together in only 20 minutes, and you can save on prep time by using frozen pie cherries!
9. Candied Orange Slices
Candied orange slices are a beautiful decoration that happens to be edible! Top your entire cheesecake with them for a fun, citrus treat!
10. Candied Lemon Slices
Candied lemon slices are a unique topping that look as good as they taste. Boiling the lemons dulls the sourness, but you still get all of the citrus flavor!
11. Candied Orange Peel
Strips of candied orange peel are both sweet and beautiful! Add some orange blossom water to your cheesecake recipe for a sweet and creamy orange blossom cheesecake.
Top it off with some candied orange peel and it will be better than any bakery!
12. Candied Lemon Peel
A lemon cheesecake topped with candied lemon peel just screams summertime! The bright citrus flavor is made even better when mixed into a smooth and creamy cheesecake.
13. Mixed Peel
Candied mixed peel is traditionally reserved for fruit cake. However, a sprinkling over the top of a cheesecake is even more tasty!
It is a blend of candied orange and lemon peel, so it adds some awesome citrus flavor!
14. Baked Cinnamon Apples
If you're making a spiced cinnamon apple cheesecake, baked cinnamon apples make the perfect topping! Finish it off with a dollop of whipped cream and you'll be in heaven!
15. Chocolate Icing
This chocolate icing is not just for donuts! You can drizzle it over your cheesecake or mix it inside.
This rich and creamy icing will thicken after allowing it time to set, so it won't be as messy as it looks!
16. Crumb Topping
A cinnamon brown sugar crumb topping is the perfect way to top off a plain, apple, or spiced cheesecake. Though, I'd argue it would be good on just about any flavor!
It only takes about 5 minutes to make and it will totally transform your dessert!
17. Toffee Sauce
Toffee is one of those things you either love or you hate. If you love it, then this easy toffee sauce is for you!
The rich caramel flavor makes a welcome addition to any cheesecake! It's sweet and sticky, but still thin enough to drizzle.
18. Strawberry Coulis
Strawberry coulis is like a sweet, concentrated strawberry sauce. It is thin enough for drizzling and you can always add whole strawberries for presentation!
19. Brown Sugar Streusel Topping
Brown sugar streusel is one of my favorite additions to fall desserts. It's sweet , crunchy, and full of cinnamon sugar.
This topping adds a nice contrast to the rich and velvety cheesecake underneath!
20. Homemade Blueberry Syrup
This sweet blueberry syrup has a hint of lemon that makes it irresistible. Leave in the chunky bits of blueberry for a sauce that is even better than anything you can buy in the store.
A drizzle of this will turn even a plain store bought cheesecake into something incredible!
21. Microwave Lemon Curd
If you prefer things quick and easy, try this microwave lemon curd! It only takes 10 minutes and there is very little prep.
You can even make it up to 3 weeks in advance to save even more time!
22. Pineapple Curd
Creamy pineapple curd makes a great cheesecake topping. If you let your cheesecake chill after adding the curd, it makes a fun fruity layer.
Add some pineapple bits or slices for an extra tropical cheesecake!
23. Apple Curd
This apple curd has the classic cinnamon apple flavor we all know and love. You can use it in your cheesecake, or spoon it over the top!
Add some thinly sliced apple, caramel, or crumb topping for the perfect fall dessert.
24. Tanghulu
Tanghulu can turn the most basic cheesecake into an elegant and unique dessert. These candied strawberries have a crunchy coating, but underneath they are still plump and juicy!
25. Stabilized Whipped Cream
This list wouldn't be complete without a final cheesecake classic, whipped cream. Whipped cream is so easy to make at home, anyone can do it!
Best of all, you can pair it with any of the other toppings on this list to really take your cheesecake to the next level!
What Goes Good With Cheesecakes?
Cheesecakes are served with any number of tasty toppings to tailor each cheesecake flavor. Fruit sauces or pie filling recipes are a personal favorite, but the rest of my family will opt for anything with chocolate.
Chocolate sauces, caramel sauce, or toffee sauce are popular picks for topping a cheesecake. As are crushed candies, candied fruit, and more.
I like to serve a fresh fruit salad with a rich and decadent slice of cheesecake. They complement each other perfectly!
What Sauce Goes Best On Top Of Cheesecakes?
I'm biased toward a classic fruit topping like cherry sauce (think of any classic New York cheesecake image you've seen). Of course, the very best sauces to top cheesecakes with will be a matching flavor that enhances the overall cheesecake.
How To Decorate The Top Of Cheesecakes
Start with picking a topping that will contrast or enhance the base cheesecake flavor. Some topping ideas can be used to make stunning visuals too - like my tanghulu candied fruit!
Pour fruit sauces, chocolate sauce, caramel, or toffee sauce over slices of cheesecake when serving. Top whole cheesecakes with crushed candy, streusel topping, or candied fruit.
Do any of these fabulous cheesecake toppings pique your interest? Tell me which ones you're tempted to try in the comments below!
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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📖 Recipe Card
Cherry Pie Filling
Ingredients
- 6 cups pie cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 large lemon (zested and juiced, or use 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tablespoon butter
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients except for the butter in a saucepan (6 cups pie cherries, 1 cup sugar, 6 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 large lemon, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 pinch salt). Stir to coat.
- Heat the saucepan over medium to medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, just until the mixture begins to bubble.
- Remove the pie filling from heat, gently stir in the 2 tablespoon butter, and then set aside to cool.
Notes
- Use a great pie cherry like montmorency, morello, or amarelle. If you can't find frozen pie cherries (more likely than fresh, unless you're buying from a grower), you can use canned sour cherries.
- The pie filling will thicken more as it cools and it will continue to thicken once refrigerated.
- This recipe makes approximately 6 cups of cherry pie filling, which should be enough for any pie recipe.
- If you plan to use your cherry pie filling right away in a pie, or to fill other baked goods, allow it to cool down to room temperature first.
- To store: If not using your pie filling right away, let it cool then transfer it to an airtight jar or container. It will keep for 4-5 days in the fridge.
- To freeze: Place your cooled cherry pie filling in a half-gallon freezer bag and squeeze out the excess air. Lay the bag flat in the freezer for easy storage and use within 6 months.
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