What is the Bracha on Cheesecake?

On Shavuos, the Rema (494:3) writes that one should eat dairy foods, and over time, cheesecake has become a beloved and iconic dish associated with the chag. 

When it comes to the proper brachos to recite before and after eating cheesecake, one must consider how the cake is made. Most cheesecakes are made primarily of cheese, with only a small amount of dough—usually just a thin crust made from one of the five grains. Since the crust is minimal and primarily serves to support the cheese, it is considered tafel (secondary) to the cheese, and the appropriate brachah rishonah is Shehakol (L’Torah V’hora’ah, vol. 5, p. 21).

However, if the cheesecake is made with a substantial crust or thick dough, such that the crust plays a significant role in the food, the appropriate brachah would be Mezonos (Halachos of Brachos, p. 79).

As for the brachah after eating, in nearly all cases—even if one eats a kezayis of cheesecake—the amount of grain in the crust alone is less than a kezayis. Since only the grain counts toward the amount required for an after-blessing (see Aruch HaShulchan 202:10), the appropriate brachah acharonah would usually be Borei Nefashos (Kovetz Halachos 11:18; Shiurei Halacha 16:3).

As with all matters of halacha, there are differing opinions, and individuals should consult their local halachic authority for guidance in their specific situation.