Cheesecake is a beloved dessert that can be enjoyed year-round. This classic treat is made with cream cheese, eggs, and a graham cracker crust, and can be flavored with a variety of ingredients such as vanilla, fruit, and chocolate. Here is a recipe for a classic, homemade cheesecake that is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix well and press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add in the 1 1/4 cups sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, and continue to mix until well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture into the crust-lined pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center of the cheesecake is almost set.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Once chilled, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice and serve.
Tips:
- To prevent the cheesecake from cracking, run a knife around the edge of the pan before releasing the springform.
- To make a fruit-flavored cheesecake, add in 1 cup of pureed fruit, such as strawberry or blueberry, to the cream cheese mixture before pouring it into the crust.
- For a chocolate cheesecake, add in 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture before pouring it into the crust.
This recipe is a classic cheesecake recipe, it can be adjusted to your liking by adding different flavors or toppings. You can even make it mini cheesecake by using a mini cheesecake pan or cupcake pan. Enjoy your homemade cheesecake!