Classic Cheesecake Recipe
This Classic Cheesecake Recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and irresistibly smooth dessert featuring a tangy cream cheese filling and a buttery graham cracker crust. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, it offers a velvety texture and universal appeal that can be customized with various toppings and crust variations.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian (can be gluten free with substitutions)
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
Filling
- 4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare the Crust: Combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and a pinch of salt. Press the mixture firmly into the base of a springform pan to form an even crust. Chill briefly to set while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Filling: Beat room temperature cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing slowly after each addition to keep the batter creamy. Fold in sour cream and vanilla extract until fully combined without overmixing.
- Bake Your Cheesecake: Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles, about 55-70 minutes, to ensure a creamy texture.
- Cool and Chill: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open to cool gradually and prevent cracking. Once cooled, chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully develop flavor and firmness.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to avoid lumps.
- Avoid overmixing after adding eggs to keep the batter from becoming too airy.
- Consider baking the cheesecake in a water bath to maintain moist heat and prevent cracks.
- Let the cheesecake cool gradually to preserve smooth texture and avoid cracking.
- Use a springform pan for easy removal and maintaining shape.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: classic cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, graham cracker crust, homemade cheesecake, vanilla cheesecake