The Cheesecake Collection Launches with Stunning Insta-Worthy Custom Cheesecakes

We are always rooting for any culinary upstart who has the creativity and passion to find an opening in the CT marketplace, and the skills to launch a product to fill that niche. Anthoula Pantzos of The Cheesecake Collection is just this type of entrepreneur, with a new business making custom, over the top Instagram worthy cheesecakes. And yes…they are delicious.

Working at her family’s Greek restaurant in Stamford for 20 years, Pantzos has hospitality in her blood. She is the mother of two, a Westport resident, and while she enjoys “running the store, updating menus, and taking care of the business side of restaurant work, I always wanted to do something creative that I really loved, says Pantzos. “Last February, (after an deep dive into Instagram for inspiration), I started experimenting with cheesecakes, and realized this was something I could have fun with while tapping into my artistic side,” says Pantzos.

Anthoula states up front, “ I was never a baker…but I was always in the kitchen cooking with my family, and growing up I made a lot of Greek desserts.” As a restaurant chef, Anthoula’s husband had been making cheesecakes for some time, but had been sticking to more classic flavors.

Mid pandemic, while scrolling through social media, Anthoula said to her husband “Let’s mix it up…why don’t we make a Baklava cheesecake?” “We whipped a few up, piled high with honey laden flakey Baklava, and shared them with our friends. They loved them. He suggested I start my own business doing cheesecakes.” And herein, The Cheesecake Collection was born. So many things can go wrong when baking a cheesecake, but Pantzo taught herself the ways of the cheesecake by leveraging her husband’s schooling, doing extensive R&D, and testing and tasting her way to cheesecake-y perfection.

So, let’s talk about these cheesecakes. The beauty of The Cheesecake Collection is that the customer can select from a wide variety of Classic, Trendy, or Seasonal varieties. If none of these 15+ options seem to be meeting your needs, Pantzos will create something completely custom to fit your vision with her “Build Your Own” option. Start with a cake size, mix and match the crust (oreo cookie, graham cracker, chocolate chip cookie, or almond flour), cheesecake flavor (nutella, peanut butter, funfetti, s’mores…you name it), add a topping (whipped cream, chocolate ganache, sea salt caramel), and then there’s the candy/cookies/glitter and treats that bejewel the top of the cake. From the rich chocolate ganache drips, the light & fresh whipped cream, the smooth & creamy cheesecake batter, and the outrageous artfully placed stacked toppings, these are the kinda cake that will drop jaws.

Hazelnut Nutella Valentines Cheesecake

And it’s not just cakes at The Cheesecake Collection. In addition to the regular sized 8” and 10” cakes, Pantzos also bakes up mini cakes and cheesecake bars, and will be doing some special items for Valentine’s Day (see below).

It’s also worth noting that these decadent baked goods are reasonably priced with an 8” cake going for $50, and a 10” for $60, serving 15. This feels like a great deal given the price of cream cheese these days and the labor that goes into each and every cake. The baking process involves cooking the cakes in a water bath, and then finishing them 2 hours later in an ice bath. Yeah….I’m not doing this in my house…sign me up for a large!

All cakes are made-to-order and need to be baked & refrigerated prior to pickup/delivery. Pickup is available with 2 days notice which is great for all you last minute shoppers. FREE Delivery is available ONLY on Saturdays from 11-5 (within a 10 Mile Radius from Westport). Delivery Fee outside the 10 Mile Radius is based on your Zip Code.

What’s next for Pantzos? She would love a ghost kitchen or a tiny storefront some day.

To order your outrageously delicious custom or classic cheesecake, go to the web site www.thecheesecakecollection.com.

You can also find Pantzos’ creations on Instagram at @cheesecakecollection

Valentine’s Day Packages

1. Sweet Treats Box: cheesecake/brownie bars; Cheesecake truffles, choc dipped Oreos; Mini choc bars, lollipops & many other goodies.

2. Individual sized 4 inch mini cheesecakes with choice of 3 flavors

FUN FACT: Cheesecake was first originated in Ancient Greece on the island of Samos, over 4,000 years ago. Back then, it was served to athletes during the first Olympic Games in 776 BC.