Some crave sweets at meal’s end; others prefer a selection of cheeses. Why not have the best of both worlds with a decadent slice of cheesecake? Smooth, creamy, rich yet light, it’s no wonder there are die-hard cheesecake lovers on the hunt for the best in the city. We think we’ve found them. [Photo credit: iStock.com/ Arseniaya Pavlova]
Their award-winning cheesecake is often considered the best in the city. Based on a New York-style recipe, their cake is creamy, rich and not too sweet, especially given the welcome dollop of unsweetened and light-as-air whipped cream on the side. Choose from classic with fruit compote, blueberry, chocolate, chocolate-cherry, key lime and a rotating selection of other flavours. Paired with a house-roasted organic coffee, you can see why patrons are digging into this decadent dessert as early as 8 am.
This unique dessert café at the base of South Granville combines the owners’ two great loves: cheesecake, of course — an old family recipe — and music. Head in after a dinner out for your last course of the evening and enjoy an almost sinful, crustless slice of cake while listening to the sweet sounds of jazz. Aside from the classics, they make a chocolate version with peanut butter cream as well as nightly cheesecake specials like almond-mocha and lemon crumble. Amp up the indulgence by adding a cupcake or tiramisu latte.
Known for more than just their cheesecake, this popular pastry and cake shop is a dream for anyone with a sweet tooth. But their cheesecakes are, simply, to die for. A simple selection of four — New York, chocolate marble, mango and lemon — the recipe manages to be both sweet and savoury, with that kick of salty cheese shining through as it should. And if you’re looking for the full experience, head next door to their full-service restaurant where the cakes are on the dessert menu.
When your cheesecake craving hits at 3 am, don’t ignore it. Indulge it at Breka Bakery, open 24 hours a day and serving some seriously good café food and baked goods. While you can order full cakes for special occasions, at 3 am, it’s a slice you’re after. Your choices are between the white chocolate raspberry or the Belgian chocolate espresso, each of which will satisfy your late-night need for the rich, creamy cake. Or for something a little different, opt for their cheesecake brownie.
A moody, red-walled interior and a sweet-focused menu make this Victorian inspired dessert lounge an amorous date-night spot for couples looking to canoodle over a slice of cake. Sweet Revenge’s drool-worthy selections include more than a dozen decadent desserts ranging from chocolate mousse to tiramisu to classic apple pie, as well as tea, coffee and wine pairings. Cheesecake fans can dig into a signature white chocolate cheesecake – an individual-sized flourless mound drizzled with homemade raspberry sauce and topped with fresh berries.
Ganache, as the name suggests, offers a little bit of Parisian elegance in the heart of Yaletown. Visit this talented team of artisans to enjoy eye-catching desserts that are pretty enough to provide a wow factor, and delicious enough to keep you coming back. Individual strawberry and rhubarb cheesecakes taste like a fresh summer’s day; these enchanting edibles feature an almond biscotti base, a tart strawberry balsamic glaze and a white chocolate garnish. For a tropical take, try the sumptuous coco-mango cheesecake: a velvety smooth cake with sweet mango flavour and toasted coconut flakes.