This Classic Cheesecake is easy to make and there is no water bath required. Smooth, rich, creamy and so delicious!
Who can resist the allure of a creamy, rich and decadent cheesecake? Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, mastering the art of cheesecake-making is within your reach. Today we will dive into the essential ingredients and provide detailed step-by-step instructions to ensure your cheesecakes turn out perfectly every time. Grab your springform pan and gather up your ingredients. Heaven awaits you!
Why you’ll love this Classic Cheesecake
- Easy to make!
- No water bath required!
- Great for any occasion!
- The perfect cheesecake for an array of fruit toppings!
- Smooth, rich and creamy texture!
Understanding the Ingredients in this Classic Cheesecake
To create the perfect cheesecake, you’ll need a few key ingredients for the base of your cake: graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter. For the rich and creamy filling you will need: cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the desired texture and flavor. Opt for high-quality cream cheese to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency, and use fresh eggs for optimal richness. When it comes to sugar, granulated sugar works best for achieving a sweet and velvety texture.
Classic Cheesecake-Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp butter (melted)
Cheesecake Filling
- 4 8oz packages of cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
Optional-Sour Cream Topping
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Graham Cracker Crust
- Preheat oven to 325℉.
- Over low heat in a small sauce pan, melt butter.
- In a small mixing bowl, add graham crackers, sugar and melted butter. Mix to combine.
- Pour graham cracker crumbs into a 9-inch springform pan. Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Set aside.
Cheesecake Filling
- Using a hand mixer beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add sugar and vanilla and beat until combined.
- Add sour cream, a little at a time and beat until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add in eggs, one at a time, and beat until just incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and make sure all the ingredients are combined, leaving no lumps.
- Pour cheesecake filling into the prepared springform pan.
- Transfer to the center rack of your oven and bake for 1 hour.
Optional-Sour Cream Topping
- Mix together sour cream, sugar and vanilla. Spread over the top of the cheesecake and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Shut off the oven. Let the cheesecake rest in the oven for an additional 45 mintues.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes. Use a knife and gently run it around the ring of the pan to loosen the crust. Then continue to cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.
- Garnish or add your favorite fruit toppings.
- Cut into slices and serve.
- Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for a Foolproof Cheesecake
Use room temperature ingredients
Bring the cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before making the cheesecake. This will help make it easier to beat and help prevent any lumps that may occur, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture.
Add the sour cream a little at a time
Again, to prevent lumps, beat in the sour cream a little at a time.
Don’t over mix the eggs
Add in the eggs, one at a time and beat just until combined to help prevent cracks from forming on the top of the cheesecake. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure that everything is mixed well.
Achieving the Perfect Texture
Baking the cheesecake to perfection is key to achieving that creamy, velvety texture we all crave. Bake the cheesecake at the specified temperature until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Avoid opening the oven door while baking, as sudden temperature changes can cause cracks to form. If cracks do appear, don’t fret—simply cover them up with a luscious topping or garnish.
Cooling and Chilling
Let the cheesecake come to room temperature before moving it to the refrigerator. This helps prevent cracking. Once it has cooled, refrigerate for several hours or overnight for best results.
No springform pan? No problem!
If you do not have a springform pan, no problem! Just line a 9×13 inch pan with non-stick foil making sure the foil hangs over the edges, put the graham cracker crumbs on the bottom, pressing down firmly into the pan. Pour on the filling and proceed with the rest of the recipe. Once bake and cooled, use the foil edges and lift the cake out of the pan, fold the edges down and cut into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Garnishing and Toppings
Get creative with your cheesecake by experimenting with garnishes and toppings. From tangy lemon zest to rich chocolate swirls, the possibilities are endless. Consider topping your cheesecake with a fruit toppings, indulgent chocolate ganache, creamy caramel sauce or whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.
Serving and Storing
When serving, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to ensure clean slices. Leftover cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to several days or frozen for longer-term storage. There are two ways to freeze cheesecake:
- Wrap the whole cheesecake in plastic wrap and heavy duty aluminum foil.
- Cut the cheesecake into individual slices, wrap in plastic wrap and heavy duty aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer cheesecake to the refrigerator and let thaw overnight.
It’s your turn to bake this Classic Cheesecake!
You’re now equipped with a solid understanding of ingredients and step-by-step instructions at your disposal, to master the art of cheesecake-making. So grab your ingredients and begin by whipping up this Classic Cheesecake for your next special occasion. Your family and friends will thank you! Remember to have fun and enjoy the process. Happy baking! And remember…
Life’s too short to eat bad food!
For other delicious recipes try:
Quick and Elegant Mini Cheesecakes
Classic Cheesecake
Equipment
- hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- 9-inch spring form pan or 9×13 in pan lined with non-stick foil
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp butter melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 4 8oz packages of cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs room temperature
Optional-Sour Cream Topping
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Graham Cracker Crust
- Preheat oven to 325℉.
- Over low heat in a small sauce pan, melt butter.
- In a small mixing bowl, add graham crackers, sugar and melted butter. Mix to combine.
- Pour graham cracker crumbs into a 9-inch springform pan. Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Set aside.
Cheesecake Filling
- Using a hand mixer beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add sugar and vanilla and beat until combined.
- Add sour cream, a little at a time and beat until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add in eggs, one at a time, and beat until just incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and make sure all the ingredients are combined, leaving no lumps.
- Pour cheesecake filling into the prepared springform pan.
- Transfer to the center rack of your oven and bake for 1 hour.
Optional-Sour Cream Topping
- Mix together sour cream, sugar and vanilla. Spread over the top of the cheesecake and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Shut off the oven. Let the cheesecake rest in the oven for an additional 45 mintues.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes. Use a knife and gently run it around the ring of the pan to loosen the crust. Then continue to cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.
- Garnish or add your favorite fruit toppings.
- Cut into slices and serve.
- Enjoy!
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