Are you craving a creamy, dreamy dessert that'll impress your family and friends? Look no further! This old-fashioned cheesecake recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. Forget complicated techniques and long baking times; this recipe focuses on simplicity and delivers an incredibly rich and satisfying cheesecake every single time. It's the perfect blend of easy recipes and delicious dishes, ideal for even the busiest weeknights.
Ingredients:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a breeze to prepare. You'll find everything at your local grocery store.
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 32 ounces (4 packages) cream cheese, softened to room temperature – this is crucial for a smooth batter!
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream, at room temperature
Instructions:
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for a perfectly baked cheesecake.
Making the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a medium bowl.
- Stir in melted butter until evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure an even layer.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool completely.
Making the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly here. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
- Beat in the flour, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything evenly. Don't overmix!
- Stir in the sour cream until just combined.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
Baking the Cheesecake:
- Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This creates a water bath, preventing cracking.
- Bake for 50-70 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This slow cooling process helps prevent cracking.
- Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once completely cool, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to fully set.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature cream cheese and eggs is essential for a smooth and creamy filling.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks.
- Water Bath: The water bath helps create a moist environment and prevents the cheesecake from cracking.
- Cooling Slowly: Slow cooling is key to preventing cracks.
Variations:
- Chocolate Cheesecake: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the filling.
- Strawberry Cheesecake: Top with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.
- Fruit Cheesecake: Use your favorite fruits for a vibrant topping.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This old-fashioned cheesecake is a true testament to the beauty of simple, homemade cooking. It’s a delicious dish that’s easy to make, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings, and sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!