Description
An ultra-creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced cheesecake with a smooth, luxurious texture and bakery-quality results, made with a classic graham cracker crust and baked gently in a water bath.
Ingredients
190 g graham crackers, crushed
3 tbsp granulated sugar
5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
32 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
4 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup full-fat heavy cream, room temperature
1 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature
2–3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Extra heavy cream or fresh berries for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Bring all ingredients to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan, line the base and sides with parchment paper, and wrap the outside tightly with aluminum foil.
- In a food processor, grind graham crackers and sugar into fine crumbs. Add melted butter and pulse until combined.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 7–8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk cream cheese, sugar, salt, and vanilla for 3–5 minutes until smooth and creamy, scraping the bowl often.
- In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. Add them slowly to the batter on low speed, mixing just until incorporated.
- Gently mix in heavy cream, sour cream, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust and gently tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles.
- Place the springform pan into a large baking tray filled with 1–2 inches of boiling water.
- Bake for 75–80 minutes without opening the oven, until the edges are set and the center is very jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and cool at room temperature for 2–3 hours.
- Refrigerate uncovered overnight to fully set before serving.
Notes
A water bath ensures even baking and prevents cracks.
Do not overmix, especially after adding eggs.
Overnight chilling is essential for the best texture.
Let slices sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
