*This article includes mentions of merchants or brands who are partners of DoorDash, and DoorDash may receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase from these merchants or brands.
Calling yourself the factory of cheesecake is a flex that has to be backed up by cold, hard proof. In the case of The Cheesecake Factory, the beloved chain restaurant with the longest menu many people will encounter in a lifetime, it’s more like chilled, soft-and-fluffy proof with 30-plus cheesecakes available by the slice. A few are seasonal — including the new Factory Original with Fresh Berries, a red, white, and blueberry cheesecake that’s a summery twist on their original sour cream–topped cheesecake with fresh berries. It’s available as a DashPass exclusive item from June 27 to July 24, and from July 4 - July 10, DashPass members who spend $40+ will receive a complimentary slice of Factory Original with Fresh Berries. Terms and conditions apply.*
As a longtime Cheesecake Factory enthusiast, I had a few favorites going into the challenge of determining my top slices. But after sampling through the menu, some new discoveries and sleeper hits emerged. In no particular order, here are the 10 best cheesecakes at The Cheesecake Factory, decided by votes from a panel of half a dozen friends, our waiter Austin’s enthusiastic guidance, and the ones that haunted our dreams days after an exhaustive taste test. The best part is you don’t have to pick just one: make a no-sweat dessert buffet at your summer gathering by grabbing a few slices to go, matched to the personalities at your party—and your taste buds.
For Berry Sweet Summer Soirées: Red, White, and Blueberry
The original creamy, dreamy sour cream–topped cheesecake that started it all got a festive new twist for summer. This exclusive new flavor is only available for DashPass subscribers from June 27 to July 24 and includes a vibrant array of fresh berries blanketed on top, ideal for diving into on a picnic blanket, poolside, or as a sweet finish to a backyard BBQ. From July 4 to July 10, DashPass members who spend $40+ will receive a complimentary slice of Factory Original with Fresh Berries.
For Birthday Bonanzas: Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake™
Stick a candle in this slice and you’ve got an instant birthday party. There are other cake-and-cheesecake combos available, but if you have to choose just one to celebrate with, go for red velvet. Instead of cream cheese frosting, there is both cheesecake and cream cheese frosting alternating thin, tender, and moist layers of red velvet cake. The cake isn’t as sweet and rich as some of the restaurant’s other chocolate offerings and is balanced by the tang of double cream cheese.
For Caramel Connoisseurs: Salted Caramel Cheesecake
Care for caramel? The Cheesecake Factory becomes The Caramel Factory whenever you order this slice. There are a handful of caramel options on the abundant menu, but the salted caramel takes the (cheese)cake with an over-the-top amount of caramel. There’s caramel in the blondie crust (that has a nice chewiness and almost springy texture), cheesecake base, mousse topping, and of course drizzled atop and around the plate. There is a nice amount of salt, but it is still very sweet, so only true caramel fanatics should order this one.
For a Refreshing Ending: Lemon Raspberry Cream Cheesecake
After eating the enormous portions at The Cheesecake Factory — especially if you indulged in Buffalo Blasts (which you should!) — ending with something light and delightful is often necessary. The four layers are all lighter than air, especially the raspberry ladyfingers and lemon mousse that melt in your mouth. Tender raspberry-vanilla cake and tart lemon cheesecake are slightly more sturdy but not heavy, allowing for a balanced forkful every time.
For Pinkies-Out Special Occasions: Chocolate Tuxedo Cream® Cheesecake
Distinct layers of different chocolates make for a distinguished cheesecake. Whether it’s a wedding anniversary, pre-prom dinner, or a retirement party, Chocolate Tuxedo Cream® will make it a night to remember. With layers of fudgy chocolate cake, chocolate cheesecake, vanilla mascarpone mousse (flecked with chocolate), and a swirled chocolate top, it has a headshot-worthy side profile and a combination of textures and flavors that makes each bite exciting. All of these elements work together to secure this slice’s spot as one of the best Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes.
For Nostalgic Delight: Fresh Banana Cream Cheesecake
If banana cream pie or banana pudding was part of your childhood, this cheesecake will transport you back to fond memories. The banana cream cheesecake is silky and luscious with a true banana flavor, topped with a layer of bavarian cream and sliced bananas that is understated luxury. It’s a gentle, creamy, dreamy wonder that will wow anyone you introduce it to.
For Kids (of All Ages!): Oreo® Extreme Dream Cheesecake
Whoever thought of putting whole Oreos inside of a cheesecake already was dreaming big, but the EXTREME part happened when those cookies also became an Oreo-packed mousse…and the whole thing got coated in chocolate icing and more Oreos. Kids from 4 to 44 will be delighted by this towering slice, but to avoid a sugar rush and crash, it’s best for sharing and savoring a few bites of the decadent dessert.
For Transporting Somewhere Tropical: Mango Key Lime Cheesecake
The Key Lime Cheesecake is a standout, but if you have to choose between the original zesty dessert and the mango version, go double tropical. The vanilla coconut macaroon crust is a chewy and toothsome counterpart to the mango mousse and creamy key lime cheesecake, and the very thin layer of mango glaze on top adds a sweet-tart pucker to bring the whole thing together — and make it a stunning slice.
For Cheesecake Purists: Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake
This has been the best-seller for 45 years for a reason: it’s classic, creamy, delightfully tangy (from the cream cheese base and sour cream topping). The original cheesecake with graham cracker crust is my platonic ideal, and the glazed strawberries provide a visually stunning contrast and freshness. Although the glaze is sweet, it isn’t cloying and overpowering, making this slice probably one of the only ones that could be finished solo in one sitting.
For Lovers of Layers: Tiramisu Cheesecake
Cheesecake Factory has other desserts than just its namesake, including a classic tiramisu. But if you have to choose between the two, go for the Tiramisu Cheesecake, which substitutes a layer of mascarpone with cheesecake! It is more dense than tiramisu, yet airier than many of the other cheesecake slices because of the espresso-soaked ladyfingers lining the bottom. The coffee-accented cheesecake helps cut through the overall sweetness, too.
For Chocolate Cravings: Godiva® Chocolate Cheesecake
Do you love chocolate? This Godiva® goodness is a triple threat — or triple treat — of flourless chocolate cake, chocolate cheesecake, and chocolate mousse. Each layer gets lighter in texture and flavor from bottom to top, with fudgy cake, creamy cheesecake, and fluffy mousse. Although they are great eaten as a singular bite, I found that separating them into layers to enjoy each texture separately was my favorite way to enjoy this slice that’s to Godiva for.
*Get a free slice of Factory Original with Fresh Berries. On DashPass orders of $40+ at The Cheesecake Factory. Now - 7/10. Here’s how to redeem your offer: Place a slice of Factory Original with Fresh Berries in your cart. Make sure your cart has a subtotal of $40 or more. Make sure the promo applied at checkout. Place your order and enjoy! Valid only at participating The Cheesecake Factory locations. Fees (including service fee), taxes, and gratuity still apply. Limit 1 redemption per customer. Valid for DashPass members only. Orders must have a minimum subtotal of $40, excluding taxes and fees. Offer valid on 7/4/24 - 7/10/24, or while supplies last. Must have or create a valid DoorDash account with a valid form of accepted payment on file. No cash value. Non-transferable. See full terms and conditions at drd.sh/qnAXuU
PHOTO CREDIT: Stan Lee
