Cheesecake Recipe

This cheesecake recipe is my husband’s favorite dessert. Baked from scratch, a graham cracker crust is filled with a rich and creamy cheesecake before being baked and chilled. You can serve plain or with your favorite topping (we love cherries).

Try this Instant Pot cheesecake or pumpkin cheesecake as well. We also love these chocolate chip cheesecake bars. 

What’s the Difference Between New York Style Cheesecake and Regular Cheesecake? 

A regular cheesecake is made with heavy cream and sour cream to thin the batter, which creates a silkier and creamier texture. New York cheesecake has lots of cream cheese, which is why it’s so dense and rich. For this recipe, we’re making the classic version of cheesecake.

CAKES: Texas Sheet Cake | Oatmeal Cake | Better Than Sex Cake

Cheesecake Ingredients

You Will Need:

For the crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted

For the filling:

• Four 8-oz packages of full-fat cream cheese
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 teaspoons vanilla
• 6 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream

How to Make Cheesecake

STEP ONE: Grease the spring form pan very well with cooking spray. Mix together the crust ingredients and press into the prepared pan. Bake the crust. in the oven on the middle rack, at 375 degrees, for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees. 

PRO TIP: Make sure all your ingredients are room temperature before mixing to help keep your filling consistency smooth and creamy. 

STEP TWO: In a large mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Use the low speed on your mixer to help prevent adding air bubbles to your filling. Scrape the sides of the bowl as you go and the bottom to make sure it is all mixed in.

Add vanilla and beat on low speed until combined. Add eggs one at a time beating slowly after each egg and scraping sides of the bowl. Mix in the sour cream making sure it is mixed evenly.

STEP THREE: Pour the filling into the prepared pan into the crust. Tap the pan a couple of times on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

STEP FOUR: Place the cheesecake into the roasting pan and place the roasting pan into the oven on the middle rack.

STEP FIVE: Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it comes up about one inch on the side of the cheesecake pan.

STEP SIX: Bake at 325 degrees until cheesecake is set, about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The cake should not look like a liquid but will wobble just a bit in the pan when nudged. It will continue to cook as it cools.

At the end of the one hour and 30 minutes turn off the oven and crack the oven door a bit (about 1-2 inches is all) and leave the cheesecake to sit in the oven for at least an hour. Be sure to bake low and slow, rushing this recipe will lead to cracks and a sad-looking cheesecake! 

STEP SEVEN: After the cheesecake has cooled for the hour (or more) remove the pan with the water and cheesecake from the oven and remove the cheesecake from the water bath. Remove the foil from around the pan.

STEP EIGHT: Run a knife with a thin blade around the sides of the cheesecake to make sure it is not sticking to the sides of the pan, which would cause cracks in the cheesecake as it cools. 

STEP NINE: Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Topping Ideas

This classic cheesecake is such a simple, basic recipe — it’s absolutely delicious served plain. BUT you can also top it with a huge variety of tasty goodies. 

We love cherries, strawberries, lemon, chocolate, caramel, peanut butter, Snickers candies, Nutella, or even pineapple on our cheesecake. Try this red velvet cheesecake as well. 

Storing cheesecake 

IN THE FRIDGE: This cheesecake will keep in the fridge for up to five days. It’s a great option to make ahead of time and then serve without rushing. 

IN THE FREEZER: Cheesecake is an awesome dessert to pop into the freezer. To freeze, place the cooled cheesecake on a baking pan and freeze uncovered until it’s firm. 

Then, remove the cheesecake from the freezer and wrap in heavy-duty aluminum foil and place inside a freezer bag. It will keep for several months like this. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge. 

PRO TIP: Use an extra sharp knife dipped in water between slices for beautiful, clean slices when you’re cutting to serve. 

With it’s smooth and creamy rich filling and delicious graham cracker crust, you’ll be craving this delicious classic cheesecake recipe. 

More Desserts to Try

EASY: Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna | Banana Pudding
NO-BAKE: Oreo Pie | No Bake Cookies | Chocolate Lasagna
PUMPKIN: Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars | Pumpkin Dip | Pumpkin Delight

The post Cheesecake Recipe appeared first on Spaceships and Laser Beams.