Description
This classic cheesecake recipe yields a rich, creamy dessert with a perfectly smooth texture and a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s the perfect indulgence for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add 1 cup sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- If using, add the sour cream and flour, and mix until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pre-baked crust in the springform pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool slowly.
- Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.
Notes
- For a flavored cheesecake, consider adding lemon zest or chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the batter and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: classic cheesecake, cheesecake recipe, homemade cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, easy cheesecake recipe