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Creamy Classic Cheesecake Recipe with Perfectly Crisp Graham Crust

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A rich and velvety classic cheesecake with a buttery, crisp graham cracker crust that is simple to make and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 24 ounces (680g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup (120ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt. Pour in melted butter and stir until mixture feels like wet sand. Press firmly and evenly into bottom and 1 inch up sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes until crust sets and turns golden. Remove and cool slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add sugar and beat until glossy. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each but avoid over-beating. Add vanilla extract and lemon juice, mix until combined. Fold in sour cream or Greek yogurt gently until silky and uniform.
  3. Pour filling into pre-baked crust, smooth top with spatula. Place springform pan on baking sheet. Bake 50-60 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly. Optionally, bake in a water bath to prevent cracks.
  4. Remove cheesecake from oven and cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight to set. Before serving, run knife around pan edges and unlatch springform.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to avoid lumps. Avoid over-beating eggs to prevent cracks. Baking in a water bath helps keep the top crack-free. Cool cheesecake gradually to prevent cracking. Chill overnight for best texture and flavor. Variations include berry swirl, chocolate crust, gluten-free and vegan adaptations.

Nutrition

Keywords: classic cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, graham cracker crust, easy cheesecake recipe, dessert, creamy dessert, homemade cheesecake

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/creamy-classic-cheesecake-recipe-with-perfectly-crisp-graham-crust-easy-guide/