Perfect Easy Cheesecake Recipe
One of the first things I learned how to bake was cheesecake. This was 15+ years ago and since then I’ve learned all the tips and tricks to perfecting it. And guess what? It’s actually really easy to make and following a few simple instructions and tips it’s basically foolproof.
What Makes the Best Cheesecake?
Simple and rich ingredients and a good method make the best classic cheesecake. That includes using a generous amount of cream cheese, along with sour cream and heavy cream. I’ve tried several different blends but this trio of decadence is the one I always come back to. And when it comes to cream cheese stick with Philadelphia. Not sponsored I just think it’s the most consistent in flavor and texture.
Ingredients Needed for Cheesecake:
Graham crackers – how many graham crackers make a cup of crumbs? I use 2 sleeves or 8 full sheets (per Honey Maid brand) to make 2 cups crumbs. Granulated sugar – this is used in both the crust and filling. Just stick with standard cane sugar. Butter – I’ve use unsalted or salted here, it just depends on if you like that lightly salty flavor to pair with the sweetness. Cream cheese – you can either soften this in the microwave (turning halfway) or let it rest at room temperature about 2 hours. Eggs – room temperature eggs aren’t entirely crucial but it does make it easier for ingredients to blend. To bring to room temperature they’ll need to rest about 2 hours or you can sit in warm water for about 10 minutes. Sour cream – don’t use light! This is cheesecake, not a diet plan. Heavy cream – no substitutes! Don’t use half and half or milk or filling will be too runny. Vanilla – use real vanilla for best flavor.
How to Make Graham Cracker Crumbs:
There are 3 ways to make graham cracker crumbs:
Break into pieces to fit in the food processor. Cover and pulse in bursts until you get fine crumbs. Place graham crackers in a gallon size resealable bag. Seal bag and crush with a rolling pin to fine crumbs. Buy pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs. Not really making them but the 3rd option.
How to Make Cheesecake:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make the crust mixture: in a medium mixing bowl stir together graham crackers with granulated sugar. Pour in butter and stir until evenly moistened. Press into pan: Press graham crackers into an even layer along the bottom and about halfway up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan (I have this one HERE– affiliate link). Bake to set: Bake in preheated oven 9-minutes, remove and let cool on a wire rack. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Blend cream cheese and sugar: add cream cheese and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Blend together using an electric hand mixer set on medium speed just until smooth, about 30 – 60 seconds. Scrape down bowl.
How to Make Cheesecake Continued:
Blend in eggs: Mix in eggs 2 at a time, mixing just until combined after additions. Scrape down bowl. Add remaining: Blend in sour cream, heavy cream and vanilla just until combined. Tap bowl against countertop about 20 times to release any large air bubbles. Prepare pan with foil: wrap 2 layers of heavy duty aluminum foil snuggly around outside and up to the top of springform pan (be careful not to tear foil). Pour filling over crust: Pour cheesecake filling over graham cracker crust, wiggle pan to level. Place cheesecake in a roasting pan large enough to fit springform pan with extra space around all sides. Place in oven then carefully pour in enough boiling water around cheesecake to fill halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake cheesecake: Bake in preheated 325 degree oven until filling still wiggles slightly (for less browning on top you can move oven rack down one level before baking if desired), about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes. Turn oven off leave cheesecake in warm oven to rest with door propped ajar about 1-inch (I just use an oven mitt between the door and oven), 1 hour. Let cool and chill: Remove from oven let cool at room temperature 1 hour then transfer to refrigerator and chill 8 hours.
How to Avoid Cracks?
If you’ve baked for very long, chances are you’ve had a cheesecake or two crack over the years. There are several things that can cause this including airy batter and big air bubbles, uneven baking, over-baking and un-greased pan. So the solutions:
Don’t over aerate the batter New York style cheesecake is meant to be dense so don’t over-whip it. This is one reason why it’s very important to start out with well softened cream cheese so it’s not lumpy and blends well. Adding too much air to the batter also can cause the cheesecake to rise and after baking, it falls, which equals cracks. Using a bain-marie (water bath) helps the cheesecake cook more evenly and reduces risk of cracking. The steam it creates also creates a moist environment which is great for cheesecakes and custards. Over-baking is one of the number one reasons cheesecakes crack. It will seem under-cooked by the time it’s done, so often we think it needs to cook longer. Keep in mind that it will still be quite jiggly once done, the edges should just be starting to set up a little. Grease pan. I wait to do this until after I’ve baked the crust, so crust doesn’t slip down the sides. I just spray the exposed area with non-stick cooking spray (and rub around the edges) before I pour in the filling. This way when the filling wants to fall a little as it cools it doesn’t stick to the sides and crack in the center. Let it cool in the oven so it doesn’t deflate quickly and crack.
What is a Bain-Marie (Water Bath)?
In terms of baking, a bain-marie (or water bath), is simply a pan filled with hot or boiling water in which a pan is placed within. It’s purpose is to create gentle heat and more uniform cooking around the food. It works well for cooking custards and other delicate foods like cheesecake.
How to Store Cheesecake:
Store cheesecake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Enjoy well chilled or for an even softer texture you can let it rest at room temperature for up to 1 hour.
Can I Freeze Cheesecake?
Yes! Cheesecake freezes really well. Let cool completely in the fridge first, then wrap in plastic wrap and foil and store in airtight container up to 2 months in freezer. Thaw in refrigerator overnight.
Possible Variations:
Of course this cheesecake is perfect as is, but after you’ve tried it plain once you can mix things up add try it with fun mix-ins like these:
Lemon zest or orange zest Cinnamon Vanilla bean or vanilla bean paste Almond extract and rainbow jimmies (birthday cake flavor) Crushed Oreos Mini chocolate chips
What to Serve on Cheesecake?
Berry sauce – my favorites are raspberry sauce (make double), strawberry sauce, and blueberry sauce and I’m wanting to create a mango sauce. Whipped cream Salted caramel sauce Fruit curd – lemon, passionfruit, grapefruit etc. Toasted coconut Chocolate ganache Fresh fruit Pie filling (preferably homemade) Toasted nuts Nutella, Biscoff or natural peanut butter
More Delicious Cheesecake Recipes You’ll Love:
I kind of have a thing for cheesecake. If you loved this cheesecake recipe be sure to try some of the other favorites:
Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with White Chocolate Mousse Oreo Cheesecake Key Lime Cheesecake Mini Cheesecakes Caramel Apple Mini Cheesecakes Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Carrot Cake Cheesecake Pumpkin Cheesecake No Bake Cheesecake Bars Peppermint Bark Cheesecake
