Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 32 ounces (4 blocks) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- Optional: Fresh berries or fruit sauce for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely.
- Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). In a large bowl using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar together on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as adding too much air can cause cracks later.
- Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until fully combined. Using a spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure no lumps remain. The batter should look glossy and consistent.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed just until combined after each addition. Stop mixing as soon as the yellow of the egg disappears. This prevents the cheesecake from puffing up and collapsing.
- Wrap the outside of your springform pan tightly with several layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent leaks. Pour the batter over the cooled crust. Place the pan into a larger roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with about an inch of hot water. Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly. Let the cheesecake sit inside the oven for 1 hour. This slow cooling process is the best way to prevent cracks. Afterward, remove it from the oven, let it reach room temperature on the counter, and then refrigerate for at least 6 hours (preferably overnight) before serving.
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian