The soft, creamy cheese that is the main ingredient in cheesecake is cream cheese. This cheese is characterized by its smooth texture and mild flavor, making it ideal for creating rich and creamy desserts. It can be blended with other ingredients like sugar, eggs, and flavorings to achieve a perfect consistency for cheesecake. Cream cheese is made from milk and cream and is typically higher in fat content than regular cheeses, which contributes to the luscious texture of cheesecake. Its versatility also allows for the creation of various cheesecake flavors, including classic New York style, berry-swirl, and chocolate versions.