What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This cheesecake recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers, delivering a dessert that’s creamy, rich, and utterly satisfying. Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, it’s a stress-free baking experience. It’s incredibly versatile**, so you can customize it with your favorite toppings or flavors. Plus, it’s a showstopper dessert** that will impress your friends and family every time.
Recipe
Indulge in the creamy, rich delight of a classic cheesecake with this foolproof recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a velvety smooth filling that will melt in your mouth.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup sugar, and salt in a bowl. Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, making certain each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in sour cream until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Remove from the oven, cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes:
– Confirm all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth filling.
slicker wrap can be used to prevent leaks in the springform pan.
Equipment:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Time:
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Cooling and chilling time: 5 hours
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
12 slices
Nutrition
Cheesecake is a rich dessert with a smooth and creamy texture. It is typically made with cream cheese, sugar, and eggs.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approx. 1/12th of a 9-inch cheesecake):
| Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Carbohydrates | Sugars | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320 | 22g | 13g | 120mg | 220mg | 25g | 20g | 6g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my cheesecake with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries—it balances the richness perfectly. Whipped cream is another classic choice that adds a light, fluffy touch, and I often add a hint of vanilla for extra flavor. These simple additions can make a good dessert feel even more special.
Fresh Fruit Pairings
Cheesecake’s creamy richness is perfectly balanced by the vibrant invigorating quality of fruit, making it a match made in dessert heaven. I love topping mine with bright, juicy strawberries sliced thin, or a mix of blueberries and raspberries for a burst of tartness. Sliced peaches or mangoes add a tropical twist, while a drizzle of passionfruit puree elevates the flavor even more. For a simple yet elegant touch, I’ll arrange fresh kiwi slices or sprinkle pomegranate arils over the top. The natural sweetness of fruit complements the cheesecake beautifully, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and revitalizing.
Whipped Cream Options
Fresh fruit isn’t the only way to top a cheesecake—whipped cream is just as delightful, and it’s so easy to customize. I love adding a dollop of homemade whipped cream to my slice, and I’ll often mix in a bit of vanilla or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. For something fun, I’ll fold in cocoa powder or a splash of coffee liqueur. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll pipe it into swirls for a bakery-style finish. Light and fluffy, it balances the richness of the cheesecake perfectly. Trust me, it’s the simplest way to elevate your dessert!
