The primary ingredient in a traditional cheesecake is cream cheese. Cream cheese provides the rich, creamy texture that characterizes cheesecake, along with its distinctive tangy flavor. In addition to cream cheese, traditional recipes often include sugar, eggs, and a graham cracker crust, which adds a sweet, crunchy contrast to the smooth filling. Variations exist globally, with some using ricotta or mascarpone cheese, but cream cheese remains the most popular and widely recognized base for cheesecakes, particularly in American-style versions.