Cheesecake
Indulging in a slice of homemade cheesecake is pure bliss, and this recipe captures that delicious joy in every creamy bite. What makes this cheesecake special is its rich and velvety texture paired with a buttery graham cracker crust that crumbles just right. It’s a timeless dessert that fits perfectly for any occasion—be it a festive family gathering, an elegant dinner party, or simply a treat for yourself after a long day. Your friends and family will adore the classic flavor, and you’ll love how easy it is to prepare!
Serve this delectable cheesecake chilled, topped with fresh fruits, chocolate drizzles, or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate every slice. Whether you are a novice baker or a seasoned chef, you’ll find that this recipe is not only approachable but delivers satisfying results that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need for a perfect cheesecake.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add in the vanilla extract and then add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the center has set but still slightly jiggles when gently shaken.
- Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to help it firm up.
- When ready to serve, top with your favorite fruits or sauces if desired, and enjoy every decadent bite!
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient substitutions: You can use chocolate cookie crumbs instead of graham cracker crumbs for a chocolate crust. Additionally, Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a lighter option.
- Optional variations: For a flavored cheesecake, consider adding lemon zest or chocolate chips to the batter before baking. You could also swirl in fruit purées or chocolate ganache for an added touch.
- Storage or reheating tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you need to reheat, do so gently in the microwave for a few seconds to avoid overcooking.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 60 minutes
- Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty level: Easy
