Cheesecakes can be broadly categorised into two basic types: baked and unbaked. Both types of cheesecake are considered to be pies, despite the given name. The two basic types of cheesecakes come in a variety of styles determined by region:

Here in the United States, there are several different types of cheesecake recipes which vary largely by region and cultural background.  The two most recognized styles of popular dessert style cheesecakes here in the United States are New York-style and Philadelphia-style:

New York-style cheesecake relies upon heavy cream, cream cheese, eggs and egg yolks to add richness and a smooth consistency.

Philadelphia-style cheesecake uses sour cream instead of heavy cream which makes the cheesecake more resilient to freezing and is the method by which most frozen cheesecakes are made.  Many people feel that Philadelphia style cheesecake is lighter in texture, yet richer in flavor than New York style cheesecake.