Cheesecake is a rich and creamy dessert made with a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and eggs, typically set on a graham cracker crust. It can be made with different flavorings, toppings, or even baked or no-bake variations.
Classic Cheesecake Recipe:
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 graham crackers crushed)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup sour cream (optional, for added creaminess)
Instructions:
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Prepare the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes until slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while preparing the filling.
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Make the filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be sure not to overmix.
- Optionally, fold in the sour cream for extra creaminess.
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Bake:
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is almost set (it may jiggle slightly but should not be liquid).
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about 1 hour with the door slightly ajar. This helps prevent cracking.
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Chill:
- After the cheesecake has cooled, cover it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set.
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Serve:
- Once chilled, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
- You can top it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or any of your favorite toppings like caramel, chocolate sauce, or fruit compote.
This is a traditional cheesecake recipe, but you can customize it by adding flavorings like lemon zest, vanilla bean, or swirl in fruit purees. It’s also common to add toppings like fresh berries or even a fruit glaze.
What kind of cheesecake are you interested in? There are endless variations!