Classic Cheesecake Recipe
Discover a creamy, smooth Classic Cheesecake recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Featuring a rich, velvety filling with a buttery graham cracker crust, this timeless dessert offers the ideal balance of taste and texture. Whether celebrating a special event or craving a sweet treat, this cheesecake promises to delight with its effortless elegance and versatile flavor.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Filling
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly and compactly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy with no lumps. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Gently mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract, keeping the batter light and airy.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the filling onto the cooled crust, smoothing the top evenly. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 50-60 minutes. The edges should be set, while the center jiggles slightly when the pan is gently shaken.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let it set fully and develop its full flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smoother batter without lumps.
- Mix the batter just until combined to avoid cracking due to overbeating.
- Bake the cheesecake in a water bath (wrap the springform pan in foil and place it in a larger pan with hot water) to prevent cracks and ensure even baking.
- Cool the cheesecake gradually to avoid rapid temperature changes that cause cracking.
- Use a springform pan for easy removal without damaging edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: classic cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, graham cracker crust, baked cheesecake, easy dessert, creamy dessert, homemade cheesecake