Best Classic Cheesecake Recipe Recipe Cards

THE BEST CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F.
• For the crust: Put the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl, cover with a paper towel and melt in the microwave in 10-second increments. Brush a 9-inch springform pan with some of the melted butter.
• Stir together the remaining butter with the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and salt. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the pan, taking care to get the crust evenly to the edges. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool. Place the pan on a large sheet of foil and wrap up the sides. Place in a roasting pan.
• For the cheesecake: Beat together the cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1 minute. Add the sour cream and vanilla and beat until just combined. Mix in the eggs by hand, one at a time, until just combined. (Take care not to overmix or the cheesecake will puff up and crack.) Pour the batter evenly over the crust, smoothing the top. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come about halfway up the sides of the foil-wrapped springform pan. Bake until the outside of the cake is set but the center is still slightly loose, about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• Turn the oven off and leave the cheesecake in the oven for another hour. Remove the cheesecake from the roasting pan to a cooling rack. Run a knife around the edge and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours.
• Run a knife around the edge of the pan once more and unlock to unmold the cheesecake. Transfer to a serving platter or cake stand and smooth the edges with a knife.

*THE BEST* CHEESECAKE RECIPE

Steps:

• Place oven racks in the center of the oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a medium sized bowl, stir graham cracker crumbs together with sugar and melted butter until well incorporated and mixture looks like damp sand. Using the bottom of a measuring cup, press crust into the bottom and half way up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake 7 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
• Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.
• In a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, mix cream cheese 30 seconds 'til smooth. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and add in granulated sugar, sour cream and vanilla. Mix again until incorporated. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and mix again briefly.
• Crack eggs into a liquid measuring cup and using a fork, beat until well scrambled. With the mixer on low, slowly pour in the eggs into the cream cheese mixture and stop stirring once egg has been incorporated. Remove bowl from mixer and scrape the sides and bottom again, ensuring the entire mixture is smooth. If there are a few small lumps, try to fold in using the rubber scraper.
• Once the batter is completely smooth and ready, tap the bowl on the counter for 30-45 seconds to remove as many air bubbles as possible. You should see them popping on the surface as you tap the bowl. Pour filling into the center of the graham cracker crust and gently smooth the top. Will be very full!
• Bake for 30 minutes at 325 degrees. Reduce temperature to 250 degrees and continue cooking for 45 minutes more. Once this time has elapsed, turn oven off and keep cheesecake inside for another 30 minutes for some carryover cooking without opening the oven door. Crack oven door to let cheesecake cool slowly for one hour before removing. At this point, cheesecake should be slightly warm. Bring cheesecake to room temperature on the counter (3-4 hours) before covering with plastic wrap and transferring to the fridge.
• Refrigerate until chilled completely (6 hours to overnight). To serve, open springform pan and remove collar. Decorate as desired. Dip a sharp knife into hot water, wipe off any excess water and slice. I like to dip my knife in water between each slice to get really clean-looking pieces.

CLASSIC CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• 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.
• 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.
• Pour enough water into a rimmed baking sheet to cover the bottom, and place the springform pan on top.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.

CLASSIC CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F.
• For the crust: Melt the butter, covered in the microwave, in a medium microwave-safe bowl, or a saucepan. Brush a 9-inch springform pan with some of the butter. Stir the remaining butter together with the crumbs, sugar, and salt. Press the crumb mixture over the bottom of the pan, taking care to get the crust evenly into the edges. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool. Wrap the bottom and up the sides of the pan with foil and put in a roasting pan.
• For the filling: Beat the cream cheese on medium speed with a hand-held mixer until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and beat just until light and fluffy, scraping the sides of the bowl and beaters as needed. Slowly beat in the sour cream, then eggs, vanilla and both citrus zests; take care not to over whip. Pour into the cooled crust.
• Bring a medium saucepan or kettle of water to a boil. Gently place the roasting pan in the oven (don't pull the rack out of the oven). Pour in enough hot water to come about halfway up the side of the springform pan. Bake the cheesecake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes---the outside of the cake will set but the center will still be loose.
• For the topping: Stir together the sour cream, confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Spread over the top of the cooked cheesecake and return to the oven for 5 minutes. Turn the oven off, cook the cheesecake in the residual heat in the oven for about 1 hour. This gentle finish minimizes the risk of the dreaded crack in your cheesecake.
• Remove cheesecake from the roasting pan to a rack. Run a knife around the edges and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.
• Bring cheesecake to room temperature 30 minutes before serving. Remove the springform ring. Dip a knife in warm water, wipe dry before slicing each piece. Serve with berries, if desired.

CLASSIC CHEESECAKE RECIPE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine the crushed graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar in a medium-sized mixing bowl and stir until well combined. Add the melted butter and mix until all of the crumbs are moistened.
• Scoop the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan and firmly press it down into one even layer. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you make the filling.
• Set a large pot of water to boil for the water bath before getting started with the filling.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese on low-medium speed until smooth. Add the sour cream and mix until fully combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Then add the granulated sugar and pure vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
• In a separate small mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the beaten eggs to the mixing bowl with the cheesecake filling and mix on low speed until just combined. Use a rubber spatula to turn the filling a few times to make sure everything is fully mixed together. Set aside.
• Wrap the springform pan with the pre-baked graham cracker crust in aluminum foil, then place into a large oven bag. Fold the oven bag down the sides of the springform pan.
• Pour the cheesecake filling into the springform pan and smooth it out into one even layer. Tap the pan on the counter a couple of times to bring any air bubbles to the top, then use a toothpick or skewer to remove any large air bubbles and smooth them out.
• Add the boiling water you started before the filling to a large roasting pan until it is about 1-inch deep. Carefully place the wrapped springform pan into the roasting pan.
• Transfer the roasting pan with the cheesecake to the oven and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 60-65 minutes or until the edges of the cheesecake are set and the center is still slightly jiggly. Turn the oven off, crack the oven door slightly, and allow the cheesecake to cool in the warm oven for 1 hour.
• After the cheesecake has cooled for 1 hour in the oven, remove it from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cover tightly and transfer to the refrigerator to chill for 5-6 hours or overnight. Run a thin knife around the outside of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan, carefully release the springform pan, then slice into pieces, serve, and enjoy!

CLASSIC CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Make crust: Butter a 9-by-3-inch springform pan. In a food processor, pulse graham crackers until fine crumbs form; add melted butter, sugar, and salt, and pulse to combine. Press crumb mixture into bottom and about 1 inch up side of pan. Bake until set, 12 to 15 minutes; let cool on a wire rack. Reduce oven to 325 degrees.
• Set a kettle of water to boil. Make filling: Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese on medium until fluffy, scraping down side of bowl. Gradually add sugar, beating until fluffy. Beat in lemon zest and juice, and salt. Beat in eggs, one at a time, scraping down side of bowl after each addition. Beat in sour cream.
• Wrap bottom half of pan in foil. Pour in filling; place in a roasting pan. Pour in boiling water to come halfway up side of springform. Bake until just set in center, about 1 3/4 hours. Remove pan from water; let cool 20 minutes. Run a paring knife around edge; let cool completely. Cover; chill overnight before serving.

KETO CHEESECAKE RECIPE (LOW CARB SUGAR-FREE CHEESECAKE)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Line a 9-inch (23-cm) springform pan with parchment paper.
• To make the almond flour cheesecake crust, stir the almond flour, melted butter, Besti, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl, until well combined. The dough will be slightly crumbly.
• Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, until barely golden. Let cool at least 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese and powdered sweetener together at low to medium speed until fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
• Beat in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. (Keep the mixer at low to medium the whole time; too high speed will introduce too many air bubbles, which we don't want.)
• Pour the filling into the pan over the crust. Smooth the top with a spatula (use an icing spatula for a smoother top if you have one). If you want to ensure no air bubbles, tap the pan on the counter several times.
• Bake for about 40-55 minutes, until the center is almost set, but still jiggly.
• Remove the cheesecake from the oven. If the edges are stuck to the pan, run a knife around the edge (don't remove the springform edge yet). Cool in the pan on the counter to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight), until completely set. (Do not try to remove the cake from the pan before chilling.)

CLASSIC CHEESECAKE RECIPE

Steps:

• 1.Assemble all ingredients. 2.Place graham cracker crumbs and Truvia Sweet Complete® Granulated All-Purpose Sweetener (for crust) into mixing bowl; mix well. 3.Pour melted butter and vanilla over crumb mixture; blend until mixture is moist. 4.Press crumb mixture into 10" ungreased springform pan, covering bottom and sides; refrigerate for 10 minutes. 5.Place Truvia Sweet Complete® Granulated All-Purpose Sweetener (for filling), cream cheese, Neufchâtel and salt into mixing bowl. 6.Blend at low speed for 1 minute; scrape sides of bowl and mixing paddle. 7.Mixing at low speed, add 1 egg at a time over 5 minutes. 8.Scrape sides of bowl and paddles. 9.Mix at medium speed for 2 minutes while adding lemon zest and juice; scrape bowl and mixing paddle. 10.Pour batter into graham cracker crust; bake at 325° F in oven for 60-75 minutes. 11.Remove from oven; cool on wire rack for 1 hour. 12.Cut into 12 pieces using a water-dipped serrated knife and serve or refrigerate.
• 1. Assemble all ingredients. 2. Place graham cracker crumbs and Truvia Sweet Complete® Granulated All-Purpose Sweetener (for crust) into mixing bowl; mix well. 3. Pour melted butter and vanilla over crumb mixture; blend until mixture is moist. 4. Press crumb mixture into 10" ungreased springform pan, covering bottom and sides; refrigerate for 10 minutes. 5. Place Truvia Sweet Complete® Granulated All-Purpose Sweetener (for filling), cream cheese, Neufchâtel and salt into mixing bowl. 6. Blend at low speed for 1 minute; scrape sides of bowl and mixing paddle. 7. Mixing at low speed, add 1 egg at a time over 5 minutes. 8. Scrape sides of bowl and paddles. 9. Mix at medium speed for 2 minutes while adding lemon zest and juice; scrape bowl and mixing paddle. 10. Pour batter into graham cracker crust; bake at 325° F in oven for 60-75 minutes. 11. Remove from oven; cool on wire rack for 1 hour. 12. Cut into 12 pieces using a water-dipped serrated knife and serve or refrigerate.

CLASSIC CHERRY CHEESECAKE RECIPE

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Move the bottom oven rack to the lowest place in the oven. Place the second oven rack in the middle of the oven.

ORIGINAL CHEESECAKE RECIPE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350º F.
• If using whole graham crackers, pulse them in a blender or food processor until they are very fine. You can also find graham cracker crumbs in the baking aisle. Measure out 2 cups of crumbs. In a small bowl, combine the crumbs with the brown sugar, cinnamon and melted butter, mix well until incorporated.
• Add the crumbs to a 8 or 9 inch springform pan, distribute them evenly, using a cup or the bottom of something flat to press the crumbs into the pan. If desired, you can have the crumbs go up the sides of the pan a bit.
• Place the pan in the oven, pre-bake the crust for 8-10 minutes or until golden.
• Remove the pan from the oven, and allow it to cool to room temperature before adding the cheesecake mixture.
• Turn the oven down to 325º F.
• Place the round springform pan inside an oven safe bag ( like one that you'd cook a turkey in for thanksgiving) and roll the top of the bag down so it doesn't cover the cheesecake. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the 3 packages of cream cheese until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the sugar, and vanilla extract, beat again. Add in the eggs, ONE at a time, beating just until the egg yolk breaks, then add in the next, etc. Beat the mixture for 1 additional minute. Do not over beat, this is why I recommend only 1 minute. Pour the cheesecake mixture on top of the cooled crust.
• Place the springform pan in a 9x13 inch pan or larger roasting pan. Carefully fill the roasting pan with about 1 inch of water.
• Place the water bath with the cheesecake inside in the oven and bake at 325º F for 60-70 minutes *see note. The cheesecake is done when the center wobbles a little when you jiggle the pan. The edges of the cheesecake should look firmer than the center.
• Once the cheesecake is done baking, turn the oven off and gently remove the springform pan from the water bath and oven safe bag. Place the cheesecake on a baking sheet and return to the oven (oven is off) with the oven door cracked. Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature inside the oven before removing - this could be 60-90 minutes.
• Once cooled to room temperature, remove the cheesecake from the oven. Loosely cover the cheesecake with foil and place in the fridge overnight.
• Before serving, carefully unmold the cheesecake from the pan. Use a small spatula to assist any parts that are sticking to the pan. Allow the pan to do most of the work, some of the cheesecake may stick to the pan, but the cheesecake should naturally separate from the pan.
• Add your desired toppings, cut and serve. Store leftovers in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

BEST CLASSIC CHEESECAKE RECIPE

Steps:

• Adjust the oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• If you're starting out with full graham crackers, use a food processor or blender to grind them into fine crumbs. Pour into a medium bowl and stir in sugar until combined, and then stir in the melted butter. Mixture will be sandy. Try to smash/break up any large chunks. Pour into an ungreased 9-inch or 10-inch springform pan. With medium pressure using your hand, pat the crumbs down into the bottom and partly up the sides to make a compact crust. Do not pack down with heavy force because that makes the crust too hard. Simply pat down until the mixture is no longer crumby/crumbly and you can use the flat bottom of a small measuring cup to help smooth it all out if needed. Pre-bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and place the hot pan on a large piece of aluminum foil. The foil will wrap around the pan for the water bath in step 4. Allow crust to slightly cool as you prepare the filling.
• Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon juice then beat until fully combined. On medium speed, add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until just blended. After the final egg is incorporated into the batter, stop mixing. To help prevent the cheesecake from deflating and cracking as it cools, avoid over-mixing the batter as best you can. You will have close to 6 cups of batter.
• Watch my video tutorial below; the visual guide will assist you in this step. Boil a pot of water. You need 1 inch of water in your roasting pan for the water bath, so make sure you boil enough. I use an entire kettle of hot water. As the water is heating up, wrap the aluminum foil around the springform pan. Pour the cheesecake batter on top of the crust. Use a rubber spatula or spoon to smooth it into an even layer. Place the pan inside of a large roasting pan. Carefully pour the hot water inside of the pan and place in the oven. (Or you can place the roasting pan in the oven first, then pour the hot water in. Whichever is easier for you.)
• Bake cheesecake for 55-70 minutes or until the center is almost set. If you notice the cheesecake browning too quickly on top, tent it with aluminum foil halfway through baking. When it's done, the center of the cheesecake will slightly wobble if you gently shake the pan. Turn the oven off and open the oven door slightly. Let the cheesecake sit in the oven in the water bath as it cools down for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and water bath, then cool cheesecake completely uncovered at room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Use a knife to loosen the chilled cheesecake from the rim of the springform pan, then remove the rim. Using a clean sharp knife, cut into slices for serving. For neat slices, wipe the knife clean and dip into warm water between each slice.
• Serve cheesecake with desired toppings (see Note). Cover and store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

CLASSIC CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Tear two big pieces of heavy duty aluminum foil. Using a 9 inch spring form pan set the pan on the foil and bring the foil up around the sides of the pan. Repeat with the second piece of foil. This is to ensure no leakage from the water bath.
• Grease the spring form pan very well with cooking spray.
• Mix together the crust ingredients and press into the prepared pan.
• Bake in the oven on the middle rack for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
• Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.
• Start some water to boil on the stove.
• In a large mixing bowl mix the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl as you go and the bottom to make sure it is all mixed in.
• Add vanilla and beat on low speed until combined.
• Add eggs one at a time beating slowly after each egg and scraping sides of bowl.
• Mix in the sour cream making sure it is mixed evenly.
• Pour the filling into the prepared pan into the crust. Tap the pan a couple of times on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
• Place the cheesecake into the roasting pan and place the roasting pan into the oven on the middle rack.
• Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it comes up about one inch on the side of the cheesecake pan.
• Bake until cheesecake is set, about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The cake should not look like liquid but will wobble just a bit in the pan when nudged. It will continue to cook as it cools.
• At the end of the one hour and 30 minutes turn off the oven and crack the oven door a bit (I mean like 1-2 inches is all) and leave the cheesecake to sit in the oven for at least an hour.
• After the cheesecake has cooled for the hour (or more) remove the pan with the water and cheesecake from the oven and remove the cheesecake from the water bath.
• Remove the foil from around the pan.
• Run a knife with a thin blade around the sides of the cheesecake to make sure it is not sticking to the sides of the pan (which would cause cracks in the cheesecake as it cools).
• Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.

CLASSIC CHEESECAKE RECIPE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides.
• Combine the crust ingredients in a small bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan.
• Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
• Cover the outsides of the pan with aluminum foil so that water from the water bath cannot get in (see how I prepare my pan for a water bath). Set prepared pan aside.
• Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).
• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and flour on low speed until well combined and smooth. Be sure to use low speed to reduce the amount of air added to the batter, which can cause cracks. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
• Add the sour cream and vanilla extract and mix on low speed until well combined.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly to combine after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is well combined.
• Pour the cheesecake batter into the crust.
• Place the springform pan inside another larger pan. Fill the outside pan with enough warm water to go about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. The water should not go above the top edge of the aluminum foil on the springform pan.
• Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. The center should be set, but still jiggly.
• Turn off the oven and leave the door closed for 30 minutes. The cheesecake will continue to cook, but slowly begin to cool as well.
• Crack the door of the oven for 30 minutes to allow the cheesecake to continue to cool slowly. This process helps prevent cracking.
• Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath wrapping and refrigerate until firm, 5-6 hours or overnight.
• Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place on a serving dish. Refrigerate cheesecake until ready to serve.
• Serve with your favorite toppings. Cheesecake best for about 5 days.