Meet the twin sisters who turned their cheesecake passion into a successful business

HOUSTON – It’s a rich, creamy, rich dessert that many people love. July 30 is National Cheesecake Day and twin sisters — and co-owners of Kendyl & Kelby’s Cheesecakes are helping us celebrate.

Through life’s unexpected events, Kendyl Norfleet Ebrecht and Kelby Norfleet never thought cheesecake would became their life’s work. Tasting their first cheesecake as toddlers to baking one at age 10 and continuing to make cheesecake as a hobby during their college years, life led them to create a business out of their natural talent.

Gaining popularity in 2017, the twins opened a storefront in Cypress in Dec. 2024 — and they are best known for their assortment of mini cheesecakes.

Get to know them more in the video on top of this article.

When passion leads to award-winning dessert

If cheesecake wasn’t delicious enough, the sisters elevated the decadent dessert into different favors of cheesecake stuffed cookies.

Earlier this year, at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the sisters entered the Best Bites Competition and placed third in the Two Steppin’ Dessert Category for their Apple Crumble Cookie, a spiced cookie filled with cheesecake and topped with caramel apple pie filling and a crunchy, buttery crumble.

Plus, two sweet deals to satisfy your sweet tooth

If reading this article and starting to crave something sweet, the sisters are helping us celebrate National Cheesecake day two ways.

1. On July 31, the sisters are giving away a mini cheesecake to every customer that stops by their store in Cypress.
2. Then, throughout the month on August, get 10% off ONLINE orders only with promo code HL30. The deal ends Sept. 1.

For more information or to order your share of cheesecake, visit kkcheesecakes.com.

Bake your own vanilla cheesecake with whipped cream at home

But that’s not all. The twins stopped by the “Houston Life” studio to show us how to make a simple vanilla cheesecake — and whipped cream that’s great not only on cakes, but fruits, hot cocoa or any food of your choice.

Watch the demo in the video or scroll below for the recipes.

Vanilla cheesecake crust ingredients

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ cup melted butter

Vanilla cheesecake filling ingredients

• 16 ounces cream cheese
• 8 ounces mascarpone
• 16 ounces sour cream
• 1½ cups sugar
• 5 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons flour

Crust directions

1. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until combined.
3. Press mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

Filling directions

1. Cream together the cream cheese, mascarpone and sugar until smooth with no lumps.
2. Add sour cream and mix until combined.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Add flour and mix until completely incorporated.

Assembly

1. Wrap the bottom of the springform pan in aluminum foil.
2. Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared crust.
3. Place the springform pan inside a larger pan filled with about 1 inch of water.
4. Bake at 325 degrees for one hour or until the center is slightly jiggly.
5. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours until completely set.
6. Remove from pan and top with fresh fruit, whipped cream or any desired toppings.

Stabilized whipped cream ingredients

• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk powder

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl.
2. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, mix on high speed until stiff and fluffy. The whipped cream should look like clouds. If using a hand mixer, move your hand in a circular motion to whisk more evenly.
3. Serve with a spoon or use a piping tip for a decorative finish.
4. Best enjoyed with fresh fruit, hot cocoa, cake — or, of course, cheesecake.

let us know how your cheesecake turned out in the comments section or posting a photo on click2houston.com/pins.