Description
Creamy indulgence meets classic dessert perfection in this vanilla cheesecake that whispers sweet comfort with each silky bite. Smooth cream cheese, delicate vanilla, and a buttery graham cracker crust promise a delightful slice of pure bliss that will make you swoon.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Flavor and Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 325F (163C) and position a rack in the center.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even, compact base.
- Using an electric mixer, cream the cream cheese and sugar until silky and lump-free, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly blending after each addition to maintain a consistent mixture.
- Gently fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt, stirring until ingredients are fully integrated and the filling appears uniform.
- Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, watching for slightly jiggly center and set edges as indicators of proper doneness.
- After baking, turn off the oven and slightly open the door, allowing the cheesecake to gradually cool inside for one hour, preventing potential cracking.
- Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve optimal texture and flavor development.
- Before serving, carefully release the springform pan and slice the cheesecake into elegant portions.
Notes
- Achieve a perfectly smooth cheesecake by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, preventing lumps and creating a silky texture.
- Prevent cracks by avoiding overmixing the batter and using a water bath during baking, which helps distribute heat evenly and keeps the surface creamy.
- Customize the recipe by swapping graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
- Enhance flavor variations by adding lemon zest, chocolate chips, or fruit compote to the basic vanilla cheesecake, creating exciting new taste experiences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 394
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 152 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg