Why You’ll Love New Year’s New York‑Style Glittery Cheesecake Recipe

It’s decadent and luxurious: full‑fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt for tang, and gold sparkle throughout make each bite indulgent.
It’s festive and fun: the gold sprinkles and glitter bring party energy to dessert — not just topping, but embedded in crust and filling too.
It’s impressive but manageable: With about 20 minutes of prep and some chill time, you’ll have a dessert that looks high‑end without overly complex technique.
It combines creamy texture with a bit of crunch (in the crust) and a fun visual element — great for celebrations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crust

all‑purpose flour
white sugar
honey
egg
unsalted butter, softened
gold sprinkles

For the filling

full‑fat cream cheese (three 8‑ounce packages)
plain Greek yogurt (4 % or swap vanilla flavoured for extra flavour)
vanilla extract
large eggs
gold sprinkles and flakes

For the topping

whipped cream
additional gold sprinkles (for garnish)

Directions

For the crust: In a bowl beat together the flour, sugar, honey, egg, softened butter and gold sprinkles until a soft dough forms. Grease a springform pan (or large pie plate) with non‑stick spray and dust with flour.
Press the shortbread‑style dough into the pan with a spatula until smooth. Prick the top with a fork (to avoid inflating during baking).
Preheat your oven to 400 °F (≈ 205 °C). Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Then remove from oven, reduce the temperature to 350 °F (≈ 175 °C).
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, Greek yogurt and vanilla extract until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the gold sprinkles and flakes. Continue mixing for 3‑4 minutes or until very smooth and creamy.
Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 350 °F for about 1 hour 5‑10 minutes, or until the edges are browned and the centre is set.
After baking, let the cheesecake cool for about 10 minutes at room temperature, then place it in the fridge to chill for at least 4‑6 hours (or ideally overnight) to fully set.
When ready to serve, spread the whipped cream on top, garnish with additional gold sprinkles, then slice and serve.

Servings and timing

Serves: 12‑14 people.
Prep time: ~20 minutes.
Bake time: ~1 hour + 15 minutes for the crust.
Inactive/chill time: 4‑6 hours chilling (or overnight for best results).
Total time: approximately 7 hours 45 minutes (including chilling).

Variations

Swap the gold sprinkles for coloured sprinkles (silver, rose‑gold) to match a party theme.
Use vanilla‑flavoured Greek yogurt instead of plain for extra sweetness and flavour.
Make a fruit‑topped version by adding a layer of fresh berries or berry compote on top (under the whipped cream).
For a gluten‑free crust, substitute the flour with gluten‑free flour blend and ensure the sprinkles are gluten‑free.
Add citrus zest (lemon or orange) to the filling for a fresh twist.
Use a chocolate cookie crust instead of the flour‑based crust for a richer base.

Storage/Reheating

Store: Keep the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator. It stays best for up to 3‑4 days.
To freeze: After fully chilling, you can wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: Cheesecake is best served chilled, so no reheating is required. If you like it slightly less cold, let it sit at room temperature for 15‑20 minutes before slicing.

FAQs

What kind of sprinkles should I use for the “glittery” effect?

Choose edible gold sprinkles and flakes that are food‑safe and designed for baking. Ensure they can withstand baking temperatures and are labelled as edible (not just decorative).

Can I use low‑fat cream cheese or yogurt?

For best texture and richness, full‑fat cream cheese is recommended. Using lower‑fat versions may result in a less creamy, looser filling. You could substitute the yogurt with lower fat, but expect some change in texture.

Why did my cheesecake crack on top?

Cracks can occur if the batter has too much air or if the cheesecake is over‑baked or cooled too quickly. To prevent cracks: mix on low speed after eggs are added, bake gently, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes—this is a great make‑ahead dessert. Bake it the day before, chill it overnight, and garnish just before serving.

What size pan should I use?

A 9‑inch springform pan works well for this recipe. Make sure your pan is deep enough to accommodate the filling.

Can I omit the Greek yogurt?

Yes, you could omit it or substitute with sour cream, but the yogurt adds tang and a slightly lighter texture. Omitting it may yield a denser, richer cheesecake.

Is a water bath necessary?

This recipe does not explicitly call for a water bath. However, using one (wrapping the springform pan in foil and placing it in a larger pan with hot water) can help prevent cracks and promote even baking.

Can I add a topping like chocolate or fruit sauce?

Absolutely. After chilling, you could drizzle melted chocolate, caramel or prepare a berry sauce to add additional flavour and visual contrast to the gold glitter.

How do I get clean slices when serving?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. Warm the blade, then slice and clean the blade before the next cut to get smooth edges.

Can I freeze a slice and then serve later?

Yes. Once fully chilled, you can wrap individual slices and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Do not thaw at room temperature or microwave.

Conclusion

This Glittery New Year’s New York‑Style Cheesecake brings together the rich, creamy indulgence of a classic cheesecake with a festive sparkle that makes it perfect for celebrations. With its gold‑sprinkle crust, gold‑flecked filling, and whipped cream topping, it’s a dessert that delivers both taste and show‑stopper visual. With a make‑ahead chilling time, you can prepare it in advance and relax while your guests enjoy the glamour of dessert.

New Year’s New York‑Style Glittery Cheesecake