Introducing a delectable dessert that will surely tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more: Sour Cream Raisin Cheesecake! This delightful creation combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the rich flavor of sour cream and the sweetness of raisins, all nestled on a bed of buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for any occasion, from potluck gatherings to weeknight treats, this cheesecake is a true crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen.
Let’s dive into the details of this tantalizing recipe. With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a total time of 1 hour and 15 minutes, you’ll have this masterpiece ready to impress in no time. The recipe yields 8-10 servings, depending on how generously you slice it.
To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s nice and toasty for baking perfection. While the oven works its magic, let’s prepare our springform pan. Butter a medium-sized springform pan with a tablespoon of butter, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated for easy release later on.
Next up, let’s work on that irresistible graham cracker crust. Melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter until beautifully golden and liquidy. In a bowl, combine the cinnamon, brown sugar, and graham cracker crumbs, then pour in the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are thoroughly coated in buttery goodness. Press this delectable mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, creating a solid foundation for our cheesecake masterpiece. Pop the pan into the refrigerator for a brief 30-minute chill session to set.
While the crust chills, let’s focus on the star of the show: the creamy cheesecake filling. In a mixer, whip up the cream cheese until luxuriously smooth and creamy. With the mixer running at a slow speed, gradually incorporate the sour cream, followed by a sprinkling of sugar and cornstarch for that perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Now, gently add in the eggs and vanilla, ensuring everything is beautifully combined.
Slowly pour in the half-and-half, allowing it to meld seamlessly with the other ingredients for a velvety smooth consistency. Finally, fold in the fresh lemon rind and plump raisins, infusing each bite with a burst of citrusy flavor and sweet, chewy goodness.
Once your filling is ready, pour it lovingly into the prepared springform pan, spreading it evenly over the graham cracker crust. Place the pan on a sturdy cookie sheet to catch any potential drips, then slide it into the preheated oven.
Bake your cheesecake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the center is set with just a hint of jiggle. Once baked to perfection, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill.
When it’s time to serve, slice your Sour Cream Raisin Cheesecake into generous portions and savor each creamy, decadent bite. Whether enjoyed as a delightful dessert after dinner or as a sweet indulgence any time of day, this cheesecake is sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire. So go ahead, share the love and savor the sweetness of this irresistible treat!
