Cheesecake is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. This rich and creamy dessert is made with a graham cracker crust and a smooth, tangy filling made with cream cheese, sugar, and eggs. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from a fancy dinner party to a casual family gathering. While it may seem intimidating to make a cheesecake from scratch, with the right recipe and some helpful tips, anyone can create a delicious cheesecake that will impress their guests. In this cheesecake recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making a classic cheesecake step-by-step, and provide some tips and variations to help you create the perfect cheesecake every time.
Cheesecake recipe
The modern version of cheesecake that we know today is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The recipe was brought over by immigrants from Europe, and over time it evolved into the rich and creamy dessert that we love today.
New York-style cheesecake is perhaps the most famous version of the dessert, and it is said to have been invented by Arnold Reuben, a New York City restaurateur, in the 1920s. This version of cheesecake is made with cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and a graham cracker crust, and it is known for its dense, creamy texture and rich flavor.
Equipment Needed
Here is the equipment required for this cheesecake recipe:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Mixing bowl(s)
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Aluminum foil (optional, for wrapping the springform pan to prevent water from leaking in during baking)
- Baking sheet (optional, for placing the springform pan on during baking)
- Cooling rack
- Refrigerator
- Knife (for slicing the cheesecake before serving)
Having these tools on hand will make the cheesecake-making process much smoother and more efficient.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: MediumÂ
Servings:
12Â servings
Prep time: 20Â minutes
Cooking time: 60Â minutes (1 hour)Â
Calories: 520Â kcal
This creamy and decadent Cheesecake recipe features a graham cracker crust and a smooth, velvety filling made with cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Topped with your favorite fruit or chocolate, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- For the filling:
Directions
- For the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl.
- Press the mixture onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- For the filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
- Add the flour and mix until just combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Pour the mixture into the cooled crust and smooth out the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is just set.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and run a knife around the edge to loosen it from the pan.
- Let it cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the pan and slice into 12 pieces.
Tips for Success:
Here are some tips, variations, and substitutions you can try with this cheesecake recipe:
- Use room temperature ingredients. This helps to ensure that the cheesecake batter is smooth and creamy, without any lumps or bumps.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the cheesecake to crack, so be sure to mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Bake the cheesecake in a water bath. This helps to prevent the cheesecake from cracking and ensures even baking.
- Let the cheesecake cool in the oven. This helps to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking.
- Chill the cheesecake before serving. This helps to set the cheesecake and gives it time to develop its flavors.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Fruit Topping – Top your cheesecake with your favorite fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries or raspberries.
- Chocolate Cheesecake – Tweak this cheesecake recipe by adding chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the batter for a rich and chocolatey cheesecake.
- Nut Crust – Use crushed nuts like almonds or pecans in place of graham cracker crumbs for a crunchy crust.
- Savory Cheesecake – Skip the sugar and add savory ingredients like herbs, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes to the batter for a delicious savory cheesecake.
- Gluten-Free Crust – Use gluten-free cookies or almond flour in place of graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free crust.
Cheesecake is a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer a classic New York-style cheesecake or want to try a new flavor or variation, the possibilities are endless. With the right recipe and a few tips and tricks, anyone can create a perfect cheesecake that will impress their guests. So why not give it a try and see what kind of delicious cheesecake you can create? If you’re looking for a delicious beverage to pair with your cheesecake, check out these cocktail recipes.
Recipe by Cook Good Recipes