If you love cheesecake, you’ll love this smoked cheesecake recipe.
The subtly smoky flavor enhances the delicious goodness of a typical cheesecake. While cheesecake is sweet, it is also savory, this is what makes it a great dessert to smoke!
If this sounds like a recipe worth trying, keep reading for more!

Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Cheesecake Recipe
Mix sweet and smoky with this delicious cheesecake recipe. It’s the perfect dessert to make on your Traeger.
Cheesecake is a hard dish to master. Fortunately, this recipe breaks down each step. It will be easy to follow if it’s your first time making a cheesecake.

What You’ll Need to Cook Smoked Cheesecake
- Crushed Cookie
- Butter, Melted
- Cream Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Lemon Zest
- Lemon Juice
What Temperature to Smoke Cheesecake at
You should smoke cheesecake at 250°F. If you cook a cheesecake at a temperature too high or too low, the texture might be off. You may also burn some parts while other parts aren’t fully cooked.

What Internal Temperature You Need to Reach For Cheesecake
Cheesecake should reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
When cheesecake reaches a safe internal temp, you know that the texture and taste will be just right.
If you don’t have a thermometer, there are other ways to tell if the cheesecake is might be ready. Look for a golden-brown colour or check if there is a slight jiggle. You might even notice that the sides are puffed up, another sign of doneness.

How Long to Cook Cheesecake
You need to smoke the cheesecake for 2 hours.
How to Smoke a Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Smoker
- Use your favorite wood chips to start the smoker.
- Preheat the smoker to 250°F.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- Crush graham crackers and mix with melted butter.
- Press the mixture into a well-greased 9-inch springform pan, forming a pie crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat the eggs and sugar together.
- Add cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cream until smooth.
- Pour over the crust and smooth the top. Tap the sides to get any air bubbles.
- Wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil. This will keep it clean from smoke and any spills.


Step 4: Smoke the Cheesecake
- Place in the preheated smoker. Smoke at 250°F for about 2 hours until internal temp hits 145°F.
- Place a water tray below your cheesecake. This will keep it moist.
- Let the cheesecake cool down until it reaches room temperature.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least four hours before serving.
- Serve with burnt sugar sauce.
How Can You Tell If Cheesecake Is Ready?
There are a few ways to tell if the cheesecake is done.
The top of the cheesecake may be golden-brown. This is a sign that it is ready.
The sides of the cheesecake may puff up a little. This is another way to know it is ready.
If you tap the sides of the pan, the cheesecake should be mostly firm. The center may jiggle slightly. If you notice this, then the cheesecake is done.
If you choose to use a thermometer to measure doneness, aim for an internal temp of 145°F.

Smoked Cheesecake Variations
While this recipe uses traditional granulated sugar, you can swap it out for brown sugar. Brown sugar will add an extra layer of complexity.
If you want to limit the amount of smoky flavor, you can cover the entire cheesecake with aluminum foil.
Some other popular variations would be to add fillings. For instance, pour the cheesecake batter over the fruit pie filling.
You could also mix in chocolate chips, crushed candy bars, or nuts. This will add an extra bit of flavor and texture.
What Are Good Toppings for Smoked Cheesecake?
There are several delicious topping ideas for smoked cheesecake. We recommend trying some of the following:
- Fresh Fruit
- Caramel Sauce
- Crushed Nuts
- Candy
- Shredded Coconut
What To Serve With Smoked Cheesecake
Smoked cheesecake is a great dessert to go with many dishes. We would love to serve it after eating the following:
How To Store Leftover Cheesecake
Cover the leftover cheesecake with plastic wrap. Make sure that it is airtight and then refrigerate it and eat with 3 days.

Best Wood Chips for Cheesecake
We recommend using fruit wood chips for this cheesecake recipe. The mild and sweet flavour will not overpower the dessert.
If you prefer a strong smoke flavor, you can use hickory or mesquite wood chips. These options will have a stronger flavor, but still be delicious.

Smoked Cheesecake On A Traeger
Equipment
- Traeger Grill
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Crushed Cookie
- 1/4 cup Butter Melted
- 450 Cream Cheese
- 1 lb Sour Cream
- 1 whole egg white
- 3 Eggs 2 whole eggs and 1 egg white
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Smoker
- Use your favorite wood chips to start the smoker.
- Preheat the smoker to 250°F.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- Crush graham crackers and mix with melted butter.
- Press the mixture into a well-greased 9-inch springform pan, forming a pie crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- Beat the eggs and sugar together.
- Add cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cream until smooth.
- Pour over the crust and smooth the top. Tap the sides to get any air bubbles.
- Wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil. This will keep it clean from smoke and any spills.
Step 4: Smoke the Cheesecake
- Place in the preheated smoker. Smoke at 250°F for about 2 hours until internal temp hits 145°F.
- Place a water tray below your cheesecake. This will keep it moist.
- Let the cheesecake cool down until it reaches room temperature.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least four hours before serving.
- Serve with burnt sugar sauce.
It’s crazy how much you can do with a pellet grill! Whether you’re smoking meat, veggies, or dessert, you’ll end up with yummy foods.
After trying this delicious cheesecake recipe, you’ll have a new favorite dessert!
Smoke On!
Charlie

Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I am head taste tester at Simply Meat Smoking! I love it grilling, smoking, and getting out in the yard with the kids! The family also love to test all my recipes (especially my EXTRA CRISPY pulled pork, smoky pork loin, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill)
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling adventures with you!
You can read more on our About Us page.
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