This classic cheesecake recipe yields a creamy, luscious cake with a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for any occasion.
Servings 10servings
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
1.5cupsgraham cracker crumbsFor the base of the cheesecake.
0.5cupunsalted butter, meltedTo bind the crust.
Filling Ingredients
2cupscream cheese, softenedMake sure it's at room temperature for easy mixing.
1cupgranulated sugarSweetens the cheesecake.
1teaspoonvanilla extractFor flavor.
4largeeggsAdds richness and structure.
1cupsour creamEnhances creaminess.
0.25cupall-purpose flourHelps stabilize the filling.
Method
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until they are well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create a sturdy crust.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and blend well to incorporate.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until they are fully combined into the batter.
Gently mix in the sour cream and all-purpose flour until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.
Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Baking
Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an additional hour. This gentle cooling helps prevent cracks on the surface.
Chilling and Serving
After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours before serving.
Serve the cheesecake plain or top it with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate drizzle.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. You can also swap cream cheese for ricotta cheese for a slightly different texture. Try adding lemon zest for a refreshing citrus twist or swirl in fruit purée before baking for a flavored cheesecake. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.