Classic Creamy Cheesecake Recipes

*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 CREAMY CHEESECAKE RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350˚F (180˚C). Grease a 10-inch (25 cm) springform pan with nonstick spray. Line the inside edges of the pan with parchment paper.
• In the bowl of a food processor, combine the graham crackers, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the melted butter. Pulse to combine until the texture is similar to wet sand.
• Press the graham cracker crumbs into the prepared pan, using a measuring cup to compact in even layer.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool to room temperature.
• Once cool, line the sides of the springform pan with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, remaining 2 cups (400 G) of sugar, and the salt. Using an electric hand mixer, blend until well-combined and fluffy.
• Add the heavy cream and beat to incorporate.
• Add the sour cream, flour, salt, and vanilla bean seeds, and beat to combine.
• Add the eggs, 1 at a time, and mix until fully combined, making sure not to over-beat. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
• Pour the cream cheese mixture into the cooled crust.
• Wrap the outside of the springform pan tightly with foil and place the pan in a large baking dish. Fill the dish with 1 inch (2 cm) of boiling water.
• Gently transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 1 hour.
• Without opening the oven door, turn off the heat and let the cheesecake rest for 1 hour.
• Remove the springform pan from the baking dish and unwrap the foil. Run a paring knife gently around the outside of the cheesecake to loosen it from the sides of the pan.
• Cover the pan with plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator overnight.
• Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator and release the springform pan. Remove the parchment paper lining.
• Top with fresh berries, if desired.
• Dip a knife into hot water for clean slices, then slice and serve.
• Enjoy!

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. 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.

CLASSIC CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom of a greased 4-in. springform pan. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 5 minutes. Cool on a wire rack., In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in lemon juice and peel. , Pour over crust. Return pan to baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from the oven; let stand for 5 minutes (leave oven on). , Combine topping ingredients; carefully spread over filling. Bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan just before serving.

NEW YORK CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan (bottom and sides) with a large piece of foil.
• In a medium bowl, mix together crumbs, sugar, and melted butter and mix until combined and moistened. Press mixture into the bottom of prepared pan to form an even layer of crumbs. Bake for 8-9 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Meanwhile, prepare the filling.
• Increase oven temperature to 425°F/220°C.
• In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese on medium-low speed until smooth and lump-free, 1-2 minutes. Add sugar and beat until blended. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary. Add cornstarch and mix until blended. Add the eggs and beat until fully combined. Add cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest and beat just until combined and smooth. Pour batter over cooled crust and spread evenly.
• Bake cake for 10 minutes, then lower temperature to 225°F/110°C and continue to bake for 60 minutes until the sides are set but the center is still slightly wobbly (some comments suggested this was not enough baking time. I baked this so many times and it works. If you're not sure if your oven temperature is accurate or if your baking time is usually longer than those called for in a recipe, you can add an additional 10-20 minutes, and avoid opening the oven door too many times). My cheesecake always gets golden brown around the edges but if yours doesn't, that's ok, just trust the recipe :) Turn off oven, open the oven door slightly or halfway to let in cold air, and leave the cake in the oven for 60 minutes. This will help prevent the cake from cracking and the cake will remain creamy. Transfer the cake to a wire rack and allow it to cool to room temperature. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 12 hours.
• Cheesecake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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.

EXTRA RICH AND CREAMY CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Lightly spray a 9" springform pan with non-stick spray.
• Wrap the bottom and sides of the pan with heavy duty tinfoil. I recommend doing several diligent layers here to ensure no water creeps through when you place the pan in the water bath. Set pan aside.
• In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter; stir well to combine. Firmly pat the mixture into the prepared pan.
• Bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes. Place partially baked crust on a cooling rack and set aside while you prepare the filling.
• In the body of a high power blender, food processor, stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, or in a very large bowl using a hand held mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth, scraping the bowl as needed.
• Add sugar and vanilla and beat smooth, scraping down the sides and bottom of bowl as needed. Add in the eggs and yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Add in the cream and beat until it's just incorporated in the batter.
• Pour filling into prepared crust and, using a silicone spatula, smooth the top.
• Place the cheesecake pan into a large, deep pan. Fill the pan with 2 inches of hot water. This is your water bath and will help ensure your cheesecake comes out crack free.
• Carefully place the pan in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Turn oven off and let the cheesecake sit, undisturbed, for 45 minutes, inside the oven with the door shut. The cheesecake should be still slightly wiggly.
• Remove cake from oven and gently run a knife very around the edge of the cake. Place the cheesecake pan on a cooling rack and cool completely, then loosely cover the pan with saran wrap and chill for at least 8 hours.
• Cheesecake will keep, covered in the fridge, for 5 days. Cheesecake may be frozen for 2 months. Thaw overnight before slicing.

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:

• 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 CREAMY CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• For the crust:1. Place graham crackers (almost two full packages) in food processor until finely crumbled.2. In medium sized bowl, combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Stir until ingredients moistened.3. Press cookie mixture into bottom and sides of 8 1/2" to 9" springform pan. 4. Double wrap the bottom of springform pan with aluminum foil. For the filling:1. In large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Blend with electric mixer for three minutes on medium speed until light and fluffy.2. Add in eggs one at a time and blend on medium speed until well combined.3. Add in vanilla extract, lemon juice and heavy cream. Blend on low speed until smooth and creamy. (Batter will be slightly runny)4. Pour batter into prepared springform pan.5. Place springform pan in larger baking dish. Use large cup to pour hot water into baking dish. Fill half of baking dish.6. Bake at 325 degrees F for one hour, ten minutes. Shut off oven and crack oven door. Keep cheesecake in oven for additional thirty minutes.7. Remove cheesecake from oven. Wipe excess water from foil. Remove foil from bottom of pan. 8. Cover top of pan with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.9. Carefully run knife around edges of springform pan prior to releasing pan.10. Store refrigerated.

PHILADELPHIA CLASSIC CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325°F.
• Combine graham crumbs, 3 Tbsp. sugar and butter; press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan.
• Beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar and vanilla with Mixer until blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Pour over crust.
• Bake 55 min. or until center is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim. Refrigerate cheesecake 4 hours.

CHEESECAKE RECIPE WITHOUT SOUR CREAM

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Break up the 2 packages of graham crackers in the bag and then place them in the food processor to grind them further and add the sugar to incorporate.
• Pour graham mixture into a bowl and use a fork to mix in the butter. (Pouring the butter into the food processor tends to over-process the crust)
• Using an 8″ or 9″ springform pan, flip it upsidedown so the lip side is facing down. (This will allow the cheesecake to slide off easiest.) Fill the bottom with a layer of crumbs and press evenly throughout with the back of your hand, working it up the sides of the pan as well.
• Bake the crust at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool on the stovetop while making the filling.
• While the crust is baking, take the 4 packages of cream cheese and place in a bowl. Fill the bowl with hot tap water and let stand for 10 minutes. (This will ensure a smooth filling with no lumps and easy incorporation of the other ingredients.)
• Cut each package open and squeeze the cream cheese into the bowl of your stand mixer and add 1 1/4 cups of sugar. Mix until smooth.
• Add two eggs, one at a time and let incorporate, then add the cornstarch. Place mixer on low speed and slowly add the heavy whipping cream.
• Pour the mixture on top of the crust and bake for 1 hour.
• The cheesecake will still be wobbly when done baking and have an internal temperature of at least 150. To prevent cracking, don't over bake.
• Let your cheesecake cool to room temperature prior to placing it in the refrigerator.

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.

CREAMY CLASSIC CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F Crush the crackers into crumbs (use a food processor or put crackers in plastic bag and roll a rolling pin over them until they are crushed). Add the butter and sugar; mix. Press onto the base of a 9 inch springform pan. Chill in refrigerator.
• For the filling, place the cream cheese in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer set on medium-high speed for 2 minutes. Blend in the sugar. Add the flour and beat until combined. On
• low speed, beat in the eggs, one at a time, just until blended, scraping the side of bowl often. Add the sour cream, lemon peel and vanilla and beat just until blended. Pour the filling over the crust in the pan.
• Place cheesecake in pan of water while baking to keep from cracking. Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Turn off oven and keep the oven door ajar. Let the cheesecake sit in oven for 1 hour.
• Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Run a knife around the sides. Cover, chill for 6 hours or overnight.
• When ready to serve, remove from the pan sides. Slide cheecake onto a serving plate.
• Cut and enjoy.

HOW TO MAKE CHEESECAKE (EASY CHEESECAKE RECIPE)

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
• Transfer the mixture into the prepared springform pan and press the crumbs into the bottom and sides to create an even, compact crust.
• Par-bake the crust for 8 minutes. Then, remove it from the oven and allow it cool while you make the filling.
• Add the cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
• Beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes, or until the cream cheese is light and smooth.
• Next, add the granulated sugar, milk, sour cream, flour, and vanilla extract. Mix just until combined.
• With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to let each egg incorporate fully before adding the next one.
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all of the cream cheese has been incorporated.
• Pour the cheesecake filling on top of the crust.
• Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges of the cheesecake are set and the center is no longer wet. It should jiggle slightly when the pan is shaken.
• Turn off the oven and crack the oven door-- allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for one hour. This will help the cheesecake finish cooking and help prevent large cracks in the center.
• Once the cheesecake has cooled, transfer it to the fridge to chill for at least 6 hours (although overnight is preferred).
• When you're ready to serve, run a thin, flat-bladed knife under hot water and then wipe it clean with a paper towel. Run the knife around the edge of the springform pan and release the pan's latch. Remove the sides.
• Transfer the cheesecake to your serving dish. For clean slices, make sure to warm and clean the knife (with hot water and then a clean towel) before each slice.
• Serve with fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce.
• Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

CREAMY CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Beat softened cream cheese slightly. Add eggs, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest. Beat until light and fluffy. Pour mixture into crust.
• Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until firm, about 25 minutes. Let cheesecake cool then top with cherry or blueberry pie filling, if desired. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours before serving.