Cleveland Readers Pick Best Cheesecake in Northeast Ohio

Annual contest crowns top local bakeries and confectioners

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:38pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen illustration of a single, iconic cheesecake slice repeated in a grid pattern, using bold neon colors and heavy black outlines to transform the everyday dessert into a modern pop art piece.The annual Cleveland.com cheesecake contest celebrates the region's thriving food culture and small business community.Cleveland Today

Cleveland.com readers have cast thousands of votes to determine the best cheesecake in Northeast Ohio, with the results revealing the top local bakeries and confectioners in the region known for their decadent desserts.

Why it matters

Cheesecake is a beloved regional delicacy in Northeast Ohio, and the annual contest highlights the thriving local food scene and culinary talent in Cleveland and surrounding areas. The results provide valuable recognition for small businesses and artisanal producers, driving customers to support the best homegrown cheesecake makers.

The details

The contest, which has run for the past five years, invited readers to vote for their favorite cheesecake from a list of nominated bakeries, confectioners, and specialty food shops across Northeast Ohio. Factors like texture, flavor, and presentation were all considered in determining the winners.

  • The contest ran from March 1 to March 31, 2026.
  • The winners were announced on April 3, 2026.

The players

Cleveland.com

The leading news and information website for the Cleveland metropolitan area, owned by Advance Local Media.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to see so much passion from our readers for the best cheesecake in the region. This contest really showcases the incredible culinary talent we have in Northeast Ohio.”

— Chris Quinn, Editor-in-Chief, Cleveland.com

What’s next

Cleveland.com plans to feature profiles of the winning bakeries and confectioners in the coming weeks, highlighting their unique recipes, history, and what makes their cheesecake stand out.

The takeaway

The annual Cleveland.com cheesecake contest has become a beloved tradition that celebrates the region's thriving food culture and small business community, showcasing the culinary talents that make Northeast Ohio a destination for dessert lovers.