Easy Cheesecake Recipe Guide
Hey there! Today, I’m excited to share with you my go-to recipe for a delicious and easy cheesecake. Cheesecake has always been a favorite in my household, especially during special occasions or when I want to treat myself to something sweet and creamy. There is just something so satisfying about the combination of a buttery crust and a smooth, velvety filling that makes it irresistible.
One of the reasons I love making this cheesecake is because it’s incredibly simple and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. I often find myself whipping it up on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I’m craving a homemade dessert without too much hassle. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day.
Now, let’s dive into why you’ll love this easy cheesecake recipe. I make this when I want to impress guests with minimal effort, or when I need a foolproof dessert for a potluck. My family goes crazy for this because it’s just the right amount of sweet without being overwhelming, and the texture is perfectly creamy.
Sometimes, I like to switch things up by adding a fruit topping or a drizzle of chocolate sauce before serving. It’s a versatile dessert that you can customize to your liking, making it a hit with everyone who tries it. So, let’s gather our ingredients and get started!
Ingredients
For this easy cheesecake recipe, you’ll need:
– 250g graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
– 100g unsalted butter, melted
– 600g cream cheese, softened
– 200g sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 4 large eggs
– 250ml sour cream
– Optional: fruit topping, chocolate sauce
I sometimes use digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers when I’m in a hurry, and it works just as well. My grandmother always insisted on a specific brand of cream cheese, but honestly, any version works fine in this recipe.
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the sour cream until just combined. Pour the filling over the crust in the pan.
5. Bake the cheesecake for about 1 hour or until the center is almost set. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour.
6. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving. Top with your favorite fruit or sauce if desired.
This is where I usually sneak a taste of the filling before baking it. Don’t worry if it looks a bit jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven – it will set as it cools.
Notes
Through trial and error, I’ve discovered that overmixing the batter can lead to a cracked cheesecake, so be gentle when combining the ingredients. If you prefer a denser texture, you can bake the cheesecake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Variations
I’ve experimented with adding lemon zest to the filling for a refreshing twist, and it turned out beautifully. However, my attempt at a salted caramel version didn’t go as planned – sometimes simpler is better!
Equipment
If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal. Sometimes improvising with what you have on hand can lead to surprisingly good results!
Storage Information
Though honestly, in my house, this cheesecake never lasts more than a day! If you do have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh berries. It adds a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the cheesecake perfectly. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!
So there you have it, my tried and tested easy cheesecake recipe that never fails to impress. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every creamy bite. Happy baking!
Easy Cheesecake
A delicious and easy cheesecake recipe that is perfect for any occasion. This creamy dessert features a buttery crust and a smooth, velvety filling that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
-
250g graham cracker crumbs
-
100g unsalted butter, melted
-
600g cream cheese, softened
-
200g sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
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4 large eggs
-
250ml sour cream
-
Optional: fruit topping, chocolate sauce
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
-
Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, press into the pan to form the crust.
-
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
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Stir in sour cream and pour the filling over the crust.
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Bake for about 1 hour, then let it cool in the oven for an hour.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving. Top with fruit or sauce if desired.
