Homemade Cheesecake

This easy homemade cheesecake recipe makes a fluffy vanilla filling on a walnut graham cracker crust for a rich and pleasing holiday dessert.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 462 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar
• 3 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 0.5 cup butter, melted
• 0.75 cup white sugar
• 0.25 cup finely ground walnuts

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

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

Step 2

To make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, walnuts, and cinnamon sugar in the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Add melted butter and mix well. Press into the bottom of the pan and 1 to 2 inches up the sides. Freeze until firm, about 10 minutes.

Step 3

While crust chills, make the filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in heavy cream on low speed until mixture is smooth. Beat in eggs, one at a time, on low speed until combined. Pour filling into crust.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until center appears almost set when gently shaken, 35 to 45 minutes. Cool cheesecake on a wire rack for about 15 minutes.

Step 5

Run a butter knife around edge of cheesecake to loosen from pan. Let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Unclip the side of the pan and remove the ring. Let cool for another 30 minutes; chill in the refrigerator at least 4 hours to overnight before serving.