Basic Cheesecake Recipe
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Description:
When working with cheesecakes, here’s the basic recipe I start with. Experiment with it, and enjoy! 🙂
Recipe Category: Cheesecake
Keywords: Dessert, Cheese, Potluck, Weeknight, Oven, Less than 4 Hours, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 550.4
- Fat Content: 40.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 22.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 168.2mg
- Sodium Content: 385.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 41.4g
- Fiber Content: 0.4g
- Sugar Content: 34.4g
- Protein Content: 7.7g
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups cream cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Butter a medium-sized springform pan with 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Mix the cinnamon, brown sugar, and graham cracker crumbs together, then stir in the melted butter.
- Coat the crumbs well with the butter, then press them into the bottom of the springform pan.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.
- In a mixer, whip the cream cheese until smooth.
- With the mixer running on low speed, sprinkle in the sugar and cornstarch, then add in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Slowly add the cream or half-and-half until all ingredients are well mixed and the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan.
- Place the pan on a cookie sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top begins to brown and the cake is firm to the touch.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least a few hours or until well chilled.
- Serve the cheesecake chilled, optionally garnished with fresh berries or whipped cream.
Notes and Tips:
- Be sure not to overmix the cheesecake batter to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks during baking.
- You can customize the crust by using different types of cookies or adding nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- For a smoother texture, make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- To prevent cracks, avoid opening the oven door during baking, and let the cheesecake cool gradually in the turned-off oven with the door slightly ajar.
- Cheesecake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days before serving.
