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Best Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★

3.9 from 32 reviews

This classic cheesecake recipe delivers a super creamy and smooth texture with a simple graham cracker crust and a rich cream cheese filling. With just seven ingredients and no water bath needed, it’s designed to be fail-proof and crack-free, making it perfect for any dessert occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust

  • 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 5 tablespoons melted butter

Cheesecake Filling

  • 40 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (five 8 oz. packages; 2 1/2 lbs total)
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature

Optional Toppings

  • Any desired cheesecake toppings (fresh fruit, fruit compote, chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Crust: Place oven racks in the center of the oven and preheat to 350° F. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand. Press this firmly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan using a measuring cup bottom. Bake the crust for 7 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Lower Oven Temperature: Reduce oven temperature to 325° F to prepare for baking the cheesecake filling.
  3. Mix Cream Cheese: In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, beat cream cheese on medium speed for 30 seconds until smooth. Scrape down the bowl sides and bottom to incorporate all the cheese evenly.
  4. Add Sugar, Sour Cream, and Vanilla: Add granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the bowl with cream cheese. Mix again until the mixture is fully incorporated and smooth, scraping the bowl sides and bottom when needed.
  5. Incorporate Eggs: Crack eggs into a separate bowl and whisk well. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the eggs into the cream cheese mixture, stopping as soon as they are incorporated to prevent overmixing. Remove the bowl from the mixer and gently scrape it again ensuring the batter is smooth with minimal lumps.
  6. Remove Air Bubbles: Tap the bowl firmly on the countertop for 30-45 seconds to release trapped air bubbles. You should see bubbles popping on the surface. Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared crust and gently smooth the top. The pan will be very full.
  7. Bake Cheesecake: Bake at 325° F for 30 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 250° F and bake for an additional 45 minutes. After baking, turn the oven off and leave the cheesecake inside for 30 minutes without opening the door to allow carryover cooking.
  8. Cool Gradually: Open the oven door slightly and let the cheesecake cool slowly inside for 1 hour. The cheesecake should still be slightly warm.
  9. Bring to Room Temperature: Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to sit at room temperature on the counter for 3-4 hours before covering it with plastic wrap and refrigerating.
  10. Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours or overnight to chill completely and allow flavors to develop.
  11. Serve: Remove the outer springform collar and decorate the cheesecake with your favorite toppings. To slice, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and cut clean slices. Repeat dipping the knife in hot water between each slice for neat presentation.

Notes

  • Using room temperature ingredients helps create a smoother batter and prevents lumps.
  • No water bath is necessary for this cheesecake, which reduces the risk of cracking and simplifies baking.
  • Tap the batter bowl to release air bubbles, helping avoid cracks and ensuring a smooth texture.
  • Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly inside the oven before moving it to room temperature to prevent sudden temperature changes that cause cracking.
  • Chill thoroughly before serving for the best texture and flavor.
  • Use a hot water-dipped knife to get smooth and clean cheesecake slices.

Keywords: classic cheesecake recipe, creamy cheesecake, graham cracker crust, no crack cheesecake, easy cheesecake, homemade cheesecake

Find it online: https://foodarohub.com/best-cheesecake-recipe/