Cheesecake is a sweet dish consisting of one or more layers. The main, and thickest layer, consists of a mixture of soft, fresh
cheese (typically
cream cheese or
ricotta), eggs, and sugar; if there is a bottom layer it often consists of a crust or base made from crushed
cookies (or digestive biscuits),
graham crackers,
pastry, or
sponge cake. It may be
baked or unbaked (usually refrigerated). Cheesecake is usually sweetened with
sugar and may be flavored or topped with
fruit,
whipped cream,
nuts, fruit sauce, and/or
chocolate syrup. Cheesecake can be prepared in many flavors, such as
strawberry,
pumpkin,
key lime, chestnut, or
toffee.