Classic Cheesecake

Picture of Classic Cheesecake Recipe Photo: Classic Cheesecake Recipe
Rated 4 stars out of 5
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  • Read 76 Reviews
Total Time:
9 hr 25 min
Prep
15 min
Inactive
8 hr 0 min
Cook
1 hr 10 min
Yield:
8 to 10 servings
Level:
Intermediate
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This is a classic cheesecake -- velvety, rich, sweet and so satisfying. We are major fans of a thin sour cream cap on top of cheesecakes; it's the perfect balance to this rich cake.

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Pinch fine salt

Filling:

  • 2 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups sour cream
  • 6 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla paste (see cook's note) or extract
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

Topping:

  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
  • Berries, optional

Directions

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 about1 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.

Notes

We love vanilla bean paste. It has intense vanilla bean flavor in a convenient paste form. It's a great way to add great flavor and distinctive vanilla flecks without having to use a whole bean.

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Newest Ratings and Reviews

Read all 76 reviews

  • on December 31, 2012

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    This was my very first time making a cheesecake. I don't consider myself a baker but I'm a decent cook. I was so relieved and happy that it tasted so delicious. Perfect flavor profile with just enough citrus to add a light freshness. The ONLY thing I will change next time is to double the crust. It was so yummy that I was left wanting a bit more.
    The topping was delish and the right color. We made a strawberry compote to drizzle over it.
    Everyone who tried it, loved this. Thank you for making me a better baker!

    people found this review Helpful.
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  • on October 10, 2012

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    This was the first cheesecake I ever made. I was surprised that it came out very well (even when I realized after it was in the oven that I forgot the foil, oops. Everyone actually really loved it. The texture was really very nice. It wasn't too sweet either, which was good. The topping worked fine for me, though I didn't measure everything in it exactly.

    people found this review Helpful.
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  • on July 01, 2012

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    Made this recipe a couple of months ago. Did not read the reviews first. The topping ingredients were incorrect. Had to scoop a light, tan, soupy mess off of the top. They have since corrected it. Going to try it again today.
    It was an excellent cheesecake, despite having to remove the soupy topping! It was the perfect texture. Not too soft or too firm. I would suggest that you purchase extra wide foil for wrapping the pan or water will seep in and make your cheesecake mushy.
    Hate to say it but if it doesn't turn out awesome, you did something wrong!!!!!

    people found this review Helpful.
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