Adding fruit or other toppings to a cheesecake before baking is a popular way to enhance the flavor and presentation of this classic dessert. Toppings such as fresh berries, sliced fruit, chocolate chips, and caramel sauce can be added on top of the cheesecake batter just before it goes into the oven. It's important to keep in mind that adding too much topping might cause the cheesecake to crack during baking. Additionally, some toppings like sliced fruits may release moisture during baking which could affect the texture of your cheesecake. Therefore, it's essential to choose toppings that are not too heavy or moist and distribute them evenly over the surface of the batter for an even bake. Ultimately, adding toppings to your cheesecake is a great way to customize it according to your preference and make it stand out from traditional recipes.