Classic Cheesecake

This classic cheesecake has a sour cream topping and a homemade graham cracker crust. Enjoy with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 5 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 533 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 eggs
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 (16 ounce) carton sour cream
• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese (such as Philadelphia®), softened

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar in a bowl. Mix until evenly moistened; press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and place in the refrigerator.

Step 3

Beat cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add 1 cup sugar and beat until combined. Add eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; beat on high speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Pour cream cheese mixture into the chilled cracker crust and spread to evenly cover crust.

Step 4

Pour enough water into a rimmed baking sheet to cover the bottom, and place the springform pan on top.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 1 hour. Remove from the oven and increase oven temperature to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).

Step 6

Just before cheesecake finishes baking, combine sour cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in a bowl for the topping. Spread evenly on top of the cheesecake.

Step 7

Return to the oven and bake for 5 minutes. Set the pan on a wire rack, and allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature, about 1 hour. Refrigerate until completely chilled, about 4 hours, before serving.