Description
Classic cream cheese cake marries rich Philadelphia cream cheese with delicate graham cracker crust in a heavenly dessert. Silky smooth textures and balanced sweetness make this cake a perfect centerpiece for gatherings where friends celebrate delicious moments together.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 packages (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 325F (163C) and coat a 9-inch springform pan with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan to create a solid foundation.
- Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese and sugar until the mixture becomes silky and free of lumps, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the cream cheese mixture, thoroughly blending after each addition to maintain a consistent consistency.
- Gently fold in vanilla extract and sour cream, stirring until ingredients are fully integrated and the batter appears uniform.
- Carefully transfer the batter onto the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly to ensure a level surface.
- Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center that indicates proper doneness.
- Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, which helps prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate the cooled cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set and develop a rich, creamy texture before serving.
Notes
- Softening cream cheese at room temperature ensures a smooth, lump-free batter that blends perfectly.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracking during baking.
- Use a water bath (place the springform pan in a larger pan with hot water) to create a more even, gentle baking environment and prevent surface cracks.
- For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with crushed gluten-free cookies or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 444
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 254 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg