Upstate New York Named Home of Best Cheesecake in the State

Cheesecake, a well-loved dessert, has a fascinating history that goes back over 4,000 years to the Greeks on Samos Island. These inventive geniuses concocted the earliest-known cheesecake by combining fresh cheese patties with flour and honey, giving birth to the delicious treat we love today.

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Over time, various versions of cheesecake emerged, but it was during the 1930s in New York State that the Americanized version gained popularity. The transition from traditional curd cheese to cream cheese marked a significant turning point, resulting in a creamier, richer, and more indulgent dessert. This evolution led to the creation of the renowned New York cheesecake.

The distinctive and smooth taste of the New York cheesecake can be attributed, in part, to the addition of extra egg yolks in the creamy cheesecake mixture. By the 1900s, New Yorkers developed a strong love of this dessert, and it quickly became a delicacy that could be found in almost every establishment, from bakeries to restaurants.

Contrary to popular belief that New York City is the ultimate destination for all things food, the best cheesecake in New York is not found in the City but instead it can be found in Upstate New York.

Delish, known for their expertise in food, conducted a thorough search on Yelp to determine where the best cheesecake in New York is sold and they discovered that Cheesecake Machismo, a bakery located in Albany is the ultimate destination for cheesecake enthusiasts.

Cheesecake Machismo has garnered rave reviews from locals as well as those willing to venture beyond the City limits.

Delish says that the decadent and perfectly crafted cheesecakes at Cheesecake Machismo offer a wide array of flavors and textures, making it an irresistible haven for those seeking the most sublime cheesecake experience in New York.

If you're in the Albany area and looking for another place that makes incredible cheesecake, my family swears by the Blue Ribbon Restaurant in Schenectady.

Upstate Legends! Roscoe Diner; "New York's Busiest Diner"

For the last 60 or so years, travelers from the greater part of Upstate New York, Central New York, Western New York and all other points, would travel to New York City either by the New York State Thruway or down NYS Rt. 17. For the thousands who made the trek back and forth on Rt. 17, the site of the world famous Roscoe Diner was a welcome and comforting one. Today, we put this iconic diner in our Upstate Legends category. At one point they were serving a million customers a year. Many of these were Upstate New York college kids and their famines who were bouncing back and forth between Upstate and New York City. It is without a doubt one of the most beloved diners in New York. Read the story and enjoy the photos in this latest Upstate Legends gallery on this page.

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

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Gallery Credit: Matty Jeff