As homesteaders, we love making things from scratch, and cheesecake is no exception! National Cheesecake Day is the perfect excuse to whip up a creamy, dreamy dessert using wholesome, homemade ingredients. Whether you serve it as an after-dinner treat or enjoy it as a mid-afternoon indulgence, cheesecake is comfort food at its finest.
Why Do Homesteaders Love Cheesecake?
Cheesecake is the ultimate customizable dessert. Start with a buttery graham cracker crust, add a smooth, creamy filling, and top it with whatever you have on hand. Preserved cherries, fresh-picked blueberries, or even a drizzle of honey harvested from your hives—there’s no wrong way to top a cheesecake. It’s also a fantastic way to showcase the fruits of your labor, like homemade jams or dried fruit.
Beyond its versatility, cheesecake connects us to history. The first documented cheesecake was served at an Olympic game in 7th-century Greece. Over time, it traveled through Europe and eventually made its way to North America with immigrants. Little did they know their humble recipe would become a worldwide favorite and inspire generations of cheesecake lovers like us.
Simple, Homemade Cheesecake
Making cheesecake from scratch is easier than you think—no fancy ingredients or equipment needed! A few basics like cream cheese, eggs, and sugar are all it takes. Plus, it’s a dessert that adapts to any season. In the summer, top it with fresh fruit. In the fall, swirl in pumpkin puree. In winter, sprinkle with homemade candied pecans. Cheesecake is the ultimate homesteader’s dessert—simple, satisfying, and endlessly creative.
Cozy Log Cabin Cheesecake
This recipe is perfect for homesteaders who want a lighter take on a classic favorite, featuring simple ingredients you likely already have.
Ingredients
2 (8 oz. pks) fat-free cream cheese
1 (4 oz. pk) sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
⅔ C. non-fat, dry, powdered milk
1 C. sugar-free maple syrup
1 C. lite whipped topping
1 (6 oz.) graham cracker pie crust
1 tsp. coconut extract
2 T flaked coconut
2 T chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Set the cream cheese and whipped topping on the counter and bring it to room temperature.
2. In a large bowl, add the pudding mix, powdered milk and maple syrup, then mix well.
3. Add ¼ cup whipped topping to the liquid mixture and the cream cheese. Stir until all the ingredients are mixed together.
4. Spread the cream cheese filling mixture evenly in a pie crust.
5. In a small bowl, combine the remaining whipped topping and the coconut extract. Mix well and spread on top of cream cheese filling.
6. Sprinkle the top of the cheesecake with coconut flakes and pecans.
7. Refrigerate overnight or at the very least 3 hours.
Let’s Talk Cheesecake!
What’s your favorite cheesecake topping or twist? Do you have a recipe that features ingredients from your homestead? Share your ideas in the comments below or post a picture of your cheesecake creation to celebrate National Cheesecake Day!
And don’t forget—if you’re looking for more inspiration, download the free PDF below, packed with additional cheesecake recipes to try year-round.
Dessert Recipes
Angel Food Cake Recipe With Poppyseed And Lemon Zest
When it comes to angel cake desserts, this angel food cake recipe with lemon zest and poppy seeds tops them all! It is easy to make too!
Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Summer means strawberry shortcake! Fresh strawberries right off the vine make the best real strawberry shortcake. Whipped cream and sprinkles add pizzazz.
Lindt Lindor Cupcake Decorating Ideas And Recipe
This Lindt Lindor Cupcake Recipe gives some cool cupcake decorating ideas plus inspiration for other easy to create cupcake decorations!
How To Make Red Velvet Cupcakes From Scratch
Learn how to make red velvet cupcakes from scratch and learn how to easily decorate them using techniques anyone can do even if they have no experience.
Eggless Homemade Chocolate Cake Recipe
This eggless homemade chocolate cake recipe is moist and delicious. It uses just a few ingredients and is best baked in a bread pan.
How To Make Handmade Chocolate Covered Strawberries
These handmade chocolate covered strawberries are easy to make at home and are a healthy option depending on the type of chocolate used.
Mini-Pumpkin Cheesecakes with Salted-Caramel Crunch Topping Dessert For Brunch
Are you looking for an elegant dessert for brunch? These mini-pumpkin cheesecakes with salted-caramel crunch topping are sure to delight your guests!
Whoopie Pie Pumpkin Desserts Recipe
This Whoopie Pie Pumpkin Desserts recipe is a perfect fall dessert! Best of all, it's made with real pumpkin and filled with a creamy pumpkin spice filling.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake With A Twist
Are you looking for pineapple cake ideas? Pineapple upside down cake is delicious and easy to make! This recipe is a new twist on an old favorite.
Chocolate Raspberry Cake With Cheesecake In The Center
This delicious baked raspberry cheesecake recipe is a chocolate cake with cheesecake in the center, cream cheese icing and raspberry sauce on top!
German Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe
When it comes to a delicious homemade baked cheesecake recipe large enough for a crowd, this German Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe is sure to please!
Scented Geranium Strawberry Cake Recipe
This delicious strawberry cake recipe combined with one of my favorite scented geranium recipes is perfect for afternoon tea.
Chocolate Loaf Brunch Cake Ideas
Check out these chocolate loaf brunch cake ideas - complete with a recipe for chocolate brunch cakes. This cake goes very well with fresh fruit!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Homemade Brownies
Chocolate and peanut butter are delicious together and these easy to make homemade brownies showcase that perfect pairing.
Raspberry-Chocolate Sundae Topper
This delicious, easy-to-make raspberry-chocolate sundae topper is an ideal canning recipe making it easy to serve to guests or give as gifts!
Rosemary Vanilla Roasted Pears
Made in the oven, these rosemary vanilla roasted pears simply melt in your mouth. Loaded with flavor this recipe is quick and easy to make!
Apple Pie For Diabetics
Everyone should be able to enjoy a simple homemade apple pie. This apple pie for diabetics recipe tastes good and you won't miss the sugar!
Cherry Pie Recipe
This delicious homemade cherry pie recipe is made with fresh picked cherries and a few simple ingredients.
How To Make Holiday Cookies
In this eCourse you will learn how to make four different types of popular holiday cookies.
You also get tips on how to make the cookies turn out their best.
The four types of cookies covered in this eCourse includes:
Sugar Cutout Cookies
Snickerdoodles
Molasses Crinkles
Holiday Gumdrop Cookies
There is also a downloadable PDF that includes all of the recipes plus a bonus recipe for the run sugar glaze popular for icing sugar cookies.