Aunt Marlene’s Cheesecake With Cinnamon Graham Crust

🍰 Aunt Marlene’s Cheesecake with Cinnamon Graham Crust 🍰

Overview:
Aunt Marlene’s Cheesecake with Cinnamon Graham Crust is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and graham crackers. It’s a classic dessert loved by many for its sweet, creamy, and slightly spicy flavor profile.

History:
While there isn’t a widely-known historical account of Aunt Marlene’s Cheesecake, cheesecake itself has a rich history dating back to ancient Greece. It was even served to athletes during the first Olympic games in 776 BC. The modern variation, which incorporates a cinnamon graham crust, is likely a creative twist on this ancient favorite.

Components:

1. Cinnamon Graham Crust:

   • Graham crackers
   • Cinnamon
   • Sugar
   • Butter

2. Cheesecake Filling:

   • Cream cheese
   • Sugar
   • Eggs
   • Vanilla extract
   • Lemon juice
   • Sour cream

Steps to Prepare:

Preparation Time: About 20 minutes
Baking Time: 1 hour
Chilling Time: 4-6 hours or overnight

For the Cinnamon Graham Crust:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Crush graham crackers (about 1 1/2 cups) in a ziplock bag or using a food processor.
3. In a bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
4. Melt 1/2 cup of butter and pour it over the graham cracker mixture. Mix until well combined.
5. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create the crust.
6. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat 4 packages (8 oz each) of cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups of sugar and mix until creamy.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1 cup of sour cream. Mix until well combined.
4. Add 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing just until blended after each addition.
5. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled cinnamon graham crust.

Baking:

1. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.

Chilling:

1. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an additional hour to cool slowly.
2. Remove the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set.

Serve:
Cut into slices, and you can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or whipped cream on top for added flavor and decoration.

Time Needed:

• Preparation: Approximately 20 minutes
• Baking: 50-60 minutes
• Chilling: 4-6 hours or overnight

Aunt Marlene’s Cheesecake with Cinnamon Graham Crust is a labor of love, but the end result is definitely worth the time and effort. Enjoy the creamy goodness and the warm, spiced notes of this delightful dessert! 🍰😋🍰

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Marlene’s Cheesecake with Cinnamon Graham Crust:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 12 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 380 kcal
• Total Fat: About 25g
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 14g
• Cholesterol: Around 125mg
• Sodium: About 250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 34g
  • Dietary Fiber: Around 1g
  • Sugars: Approximately 23g
• Protein: About 6g

Health Information:

1. High-Calorie Dessert: Cheesecake is a high-calorie dessert, primarily due to its cream cheese and sugar content. One serving can contribute a significant amount of your daily calorie intake.

2. High in Saturated Fat: The cheesecake filling contains a considerable amount of saturated fat, primarily from the cream cheese and sour cream. Excessive consumption of saturated fat can contribute to heart disease, so it’s essential to enjoy this dessert in moderation.

3. Sugar Content: Aunt Marlene’s Cheesecake is relatively high in sugar due to the sugar in the graham crust and the sugar in the filling. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to various health issues, including weight gain and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

4. Moderate Protein: Cheesecake does provide a modest amount of protein, mainly from the cream cheese and eggs. Protein is essential for various bodily functions, but it’s essential to balance it with other nutrients in your diet.

5. Portion Control: Given its calorie and fat content, it’s advisable to enjoy cheesecake as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet. Opt for smaller portion sizes to help control your calorie intake.

6. Alternatives: If you’re looking for a healthier dessert option, consider recipes with reduced-fat cream cheese, less sugar, or alternatives like Greek yogurt and fruit for sweetness. These modifications can help reduce the calorie and fat content of your dessert.

Remember that the key to enjoying desserts like Aunt Marlene’s Cheesecake with Cinnamon Graham Crust is moderation. While it’s delicious, it’s best enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet. 🍰🥄📊