Copycat Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 18 graham crackers
finely crushed, 2 sleeves
- 6 tbsp. sugar
- 12 tbsp. butter
melted, 1 ½ sticks
- 4 blocks of cream cheese
softened to room temperature, 8 oz.
- 1 c. sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3/4 c. sour cream
- 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 lb. strawberries
hulled
- 1 tsp. cornstarch
- 1/4 c. water
- 1/4 c. sugar
- Juice of half a lemon
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 325°, and grease an 8" or 9" springform pan with cooking spray.
- 2
Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan. Set aside.
- 3
Make the filling: In a large bowl using a hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer), beat cream cheese and sugar at medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and sour cream. Add flour and salt and beat until just combined.
- 4
Pour the filling over the crust. Cover the bottom of the springform pan with aluminum foil, then place in a large roasting pan. Pour in enough boiling water to come up halfway in the baking pan. Carefully transfer the pan to the oven.
- 5
Bake cake until just slightly jiggly, or center registers 145°F on a digital thermometer inserted to a depth of 2-inches, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Turn the oven off, prop oven door open, and let cool for 1 hour. Finally, transfer to the fridge and chill until the cake is completely cool, 5 hours and up to overnight.
- 6
While the cake cools, make the glazed strawberries: Whisk cornstarch and warm water in a small bowl until totally combined. In a medium saucepan, add strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch slurry.
- 7
Over medium heat, bring mixture to a simmer. Cook until the liquid has thickened to a syrupy texture and it coats the strawberries. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill until ready to serve.
- 8
To serve: top each slice with a few glazed strawberries and a swirl of whip cream<br>
Copycat Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving that iconic, creamy slice of cheesecake without the restaurant wait or price tag? This Copycat Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake recipe brings the classic dessert experience right to your kitchen, allowing you to indulge in your favorite treat anytime.
You'll be surprised how incredibly simple it is to recreate the rich, velvety texture and balanced sweetness of your favorite original cheesecake. This recipe is described as "crazy simple," streamlining the process and making that legendary dessert achievable for any home baker, without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
Prepare for a truly indulgent dessert that delivers on every front. Each bite offers a luxuriously smooth, dense cream cheese filling resting atop a perfectly sweet graham cracker crust. The accompanying fresh strawberry topping, with its bright, tangy notes from lemon juice, cuts through the richness beautifully, offering a delightful contrast. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and vanilla extract creates a flavor profile that is both familiar and deeply satisfying. This recipe yields a generous 12 to 14 servings, perfect for sharing at any gathering.
Customization & Serving Ideas
While the Copycat Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake shines on its own, you can easily adapt the topping to your preference. If fresh strawberries aren't in season, you could prepare a simple berry compote using frozen mixed berries for a similar vibrant flavor. For the crust, consider experimenting with other finely crushed cookies like vanilla wafers or shortbread for a slightly different foundation. If you prefer a pure, unadorned classic, feel free to serve the cheesecake without any topping at all.
This elegant dessert is perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply elevating a weeknight meal. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor, allowing its rich profile to be fully appreciated.