Description
This Creamy Cheesecake recipe offers a rich, smooth, and luscious dessert with a velvety texture and perfectly balanced sweetness. Easy enough for beginners yet elegant to impress, it features a buttery graham cracker crust and a silky cream cheese filling enhanced with sour cream and vanilla. Customizable with various toppings and variations, this cheesecake is an indulgent treat that rivals bakery-quality desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Filling
- 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Start by crushing graham crackers until fine crumbs form. Combine these with melted butter and a pinch of sugar, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling to ensure a firm, crisp base.
- Mix the Cream Cheese Batter: Beat softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy, taking care to avoid lumps. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a silky texture.
- Add the Flavors: Incorporate sour cream and vanilla extract into the batter, which adds moisture and a warm, aromatic note for a truly unforgettable flavor.
- Bake with Care: Pour the batter over the chilled crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 55-70 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. To prevent cracks and ensure smoothness, use a water bath by wrapping the pan in foil and placing it in a larger pan filled with hot water halfway up the sides.
- Cool and Chill Thoroughly: Once baked, let the cheesecake cool gradually to room temperature, ideally leaving the oven door ajar. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to let flavors meld and the texture set perfectly before serving.
Notes
- Bring cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Mix on low speed to prevent incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
- Use a water bath during baking to create a moist environment and prevent drying or cracking.
- Do not overbake; a slightly jiggly center indicates the cheesecake is done and will firm up as it cools.
- Cool gradually by leaving the oven door slightly open before transferring to the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, cream cheese dessert, easy cheesecake, homemade cheesecake, classic cheesecake