Best Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cgraham cracker crumbs
- 4 tbspgranulated sugar
- 5 tbspmelted butter
- 40 ozcream cheese)
at room temperature (five 8 oz. packages; 2 1/2 lbs total
- 1 ¼ cgranulated sugar
- ½ csour cream
at room temperature
- 2 tspvanilla extract
- 4 largeeggs
at room temperature
- any desired cheesecake toppings
Directions
- 1
Place oven racks in the center of the oven. Preheat oven to 350° F.
- 2
In a medium sized bowl, stir graham cracker crumbs together with sugar and melted butter until well incorporated and mixture looks like damp sand. Using the bottom of a measuring cup, press crust into the bottom and half way up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake 7 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
- 3
Reduce oven temperature to 325° F.
- 4
In a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, mix cream cheese 30 seconds 'til smooth. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and add in granulated sugar, sour cream and vanilla. Mix again until incorporated. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and mix again briefly.
- 5
Crack eggs into a separate bowl and whisk until well beaten. With the mixer on low, slowly pour the eggs into the cream cheese mixture and stop stirring once eggs have been incorporated. Remove bowl from mixer and scrape the sides and bottom again, ensuring the entire mixture is smooth. If there are a few small lumps, try to fold in using the rubber scraper.
- 6
Once the batter is completely smooth and ready, tap the bowl on the counter for 30-45 seconds to remove as many air bubbles as possible. You should see them popping on the surface as you tap the bowl. Pour filling into the center of the graham cracker crust and gently smooth the top. Will be very full!
- 7
Bake for 30 minutes at 325° F. Reduce temperature to 250° F and continue cooking for 45 minutes more. Once this time has elapsed, turn oven off and keep cheesecake inside for another 30 minutes for some carryover cooking without opening the oven door. Crack oven door to let cheesecake cool slowly for one hour before removing. At this point, cheesecake should be slightly warm. Bring cheesecake to room temperature on the counter (3-4 hours) before covering with plastic wrap and transferring to the fridge.
- 8
Refrigerate until chilled completely (6 hours to overnight). To serve, open springform pan and remove collar. Decorate as desired. Dip a sharp knife into hot water, wipe off any excess water and slice. I like to dip my knife in water between each slice to get really clean-looking pieces.
Best Cheesecake Recipe
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About this Recipe
Craving that iconic, super creamy texture of a classic cheesecake, but intimidated by cracks or tricky water baths? Look no further. This is truly the Best Cheesecake Recipe you'll ever need, promising a perfect, velvety dessert every time.
Why This Cheesecake Works
What makes this recipe stand out is its commitment to ease and perfection. You won't need a fussy water bath to achieve that signature smooth top, making it wonderfully approachable. The secret to its jaw-dropping, super creamy texture lies in using seven simple, high-quality ingredients, all brought to room temperature to ensure a perfectly emulsified, lump-free batter that sets beautifully without a single crack.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly classic experience reminiscent of a fine New York-style cheesecake. Each bite delivers a rich, dense creaminess balanced with a delightful tang, all resting on a crisp, buttery graham cracker crust. The texture is incredibly smooth, melting in your mouth, leaving a sweet and satisfying finish. This is a dessert designed to impress, offering a luxurious experience without the stress often associated with baking cheesecake.
Customization & Variations
While the classic graham cracker crust is a timeless choice, feel free to experiment with other crushed cookies or biscuits for a different base. The recipe explicitly welcomes any desired cheesecake toppings, so let your imagination soar! Drizzle with fresh berry compotes, decadent chocolate ganache, luscious caramel sauce, or a simple dollop of whipped cream to elevate your serving.
Serving & Context
This classic cheesecake is an ideal centerpiece for holiday gatherings, special occasion dinners, or simply as an elegant dessert to share with loved ones. Ensure it's fully chilled for the best texture and flavor before slicing and serving. Its richness pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a light dessert wine.