Ingredients:
– 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 3 tbsp. sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 24 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/3 cup sour cream
– 2 tsp. vanilla extract
– 4 large eggs, room temperature
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the mixture onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat-bottomed glass to press the crumbs firmly into an even layer. Chill the crust for 15 minutes.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool.
5. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
6. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well combined.
7. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
8. Pour the cheesecake batter over the baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake the cheesecake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is almost set.
10. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes with the oven door cracked open. This will help prevent the cheesecake from cracking.
11. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
12. Once chilled, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and slice into pieces. Serve and enjoy!
Tips:
– Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This will ensure that all the ingredients are well mixed and that the cheesecake won’t crack.
– Don’t overmix the batter, as it can make the cheesecake dense and heavy.
– Make sure the cheesecake is completely cooled before refrigerating it, as this will prevent condensation from forming on the surface.
– Add toppings such as fresh , caramel sauce, or whipped cream to the cheesecake before serving.
– If you want to make a gluten-free cheesecake, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or another gluten-free cookie for the crust.
In conclusion, making cheesecake is not as difficult as it seems. With this simple recipe and some helpful tips, you can make a delicious cheesecake that will impress your friends and family. Whether you serve it plain or with your favorite toppings, this creamy dessert is sure to be a hit.