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Whole cheesecake displayed simply, emphasizing its creamy top layer.

Classic Cheesecake Recipe

This Classic Cheesecake Recipe features a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, creamy filling made with cream cheese, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla for a timeless, elegant dessert perfect for any occasion.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Classic Cheesecake Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 0

Ingredients

Crust

  • c crushed graham crackers
  • 4 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter melted

Filling

  • 5 packages 8 oz each cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • c granulated sugar
  • ½ c sour cream at room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs at room temperature

Toppings (Optional)

  • Fresh strawberries
  • Cherries
  • Blueberries
  • Or other desired toppings

Instructions

Prepare the Oven

  • Position the oven racks in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Crust

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a springform pan using the bottom of a flat glass or measuring cup.

Bake the Crust

  • Bake the crust for 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).

Prepare the Filling

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps. Add the granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure a uniform texture.

Incorporate the Eggs

  • In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a fork. Gradually add the eggs to the cream cheese mixture on low speed, mixing only until incorporated. Do not overmix.

Remove Air Bubbles

  • Gently tap the mixing bowl on the countertop several times to release any trapped air bubbles.

Fill the Crust

  • Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared crust and smooth the surface evenly. The pan will be nearly full.

Bake the Cheesecake

  • Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 30 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 250°F (120°C) and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes. The center should remain slightly jiggly.

Cool Gradually

  • Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door closed for 30 minutes. Then crack the oven door open and allow the cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour.

Chill and Set

  • Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until fully set.

Serve

  • Garnish with desired toppings before serving.

Notes

To make this Classic Cheesecake Recipe gluten-free, substitute the graham crackers with certified gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free cookies. Ensure all other ingredients, including vanilla extract and sour cream, are labeled gluten-free.