Description
This classic Cream Cheese Cake features a rich and creamy filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust, baked to perfection. Smooth, decadent, and perfect for any dessert table, this cheesecake recipe is easy to make and offers a luscious texture that melts in your mouth. Whether enjoyed plain or topped with fruit, chocolate, or whipped cream, it’s a beloved American dessert staple.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Filling
- 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust layer.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set it. After baking, remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using a mixer. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully blended and creamy.
- Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure the filling is smooth.
- Combine remaining ingredients: Stir in the sour cream, flour, and salt until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, until the cheesecake center is just set and slightly jiggly.
- Cool the cheesecake: Turn off the oven after baking and crack the oven door open. Let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracks and promote even cooling.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a smooth texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- You can top the cheesecake with fresh fruit, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream just before serving for added flavor.
- To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the batter and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually inside the oven with the door cracked.
