The Best Homemade Cheesecake

The Best Homemade Cheesecake: A Classic Dessert Masterpiece

Step into the world of luxurious desserts with this incredible homemade cheesecake recipe that promises to deliver the perfect blend of rich, creamy texture and delightful flavor. While mastering the art of cheesecake deviled strawberries might be fun, nothing beats the satisfaction of creating a classic cheesecake from scratch.

Whether you're hosting a special celebration or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dessert that rivals any upscale bakery offering. Much like our beloved marshmallow whip cheesecake heaven, this recipe guarantees to impress your guests.

The Best Homemade Cheesecake: Essential Tips and Tricks

Creating the perfect cheesecake requires attention to detail and patience. Before diving into the recipe, consider checking out our sopapilla cheesecake bars for additional cheesecake-making insights. This classic recipe builds on time-tested techniques to ensure your success.

Think of this dessert as a blank canvas – while it's perfect on its own, you can also draw inspiration from our lemon meringue cheesecake for creative variations.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Homemade Cheesecake

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest texture.
2. Gentle Mixing: Beat ingredients on medium-low speed to prevent incorporating too much air.
3. Water Bath Benefits: Using a water bath helps prevent cracks and ensures even baking.
4. Cooling Process: Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven with the door cracked.
5. Patience is Key: Let the cheesecake chill thoroughly before serving.

The Best Homemade Cheesecake Recipe Details

• Preparation time: 30 minutes
• Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Chilling time: 8 hours or overnight
• Servings: 12
• Equipment: 9-inch springform pan, large roasting pan, electric mixer, aluminum foil

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 32 ounces (4 packages) cream cheese, softened
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Sour Cream Topping:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare Your Workspace:
   • Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C)
   • Wrap outside of springform pan with heavy-duty foil
   • Grease inside of pan lightly
2. Create the Perfect Crust:
   • Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt
   • Press mixture firmly into bottom and 1 inch up sides of pan
   • Bake for 10 minutes, then cool while preparing filling
3. Master the Filling:
   • Beat cream cheese until completely smooth (about 3 minutes)
   • Gradually add sugar, beating until fluffy
   • Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed
   • Stir in heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until just combined
4. Assembly and Baking:
   • Pour filling into cooled crust
   • Place pan in roasting pan
   • Fill roasting pan with hot water halfway up springform pan
   • Bake 1 hour and 15 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly
5. Perfect the Topping:
   • Mix sour cream, sugar, and vanilla
   • Spread over hot cheesecake
   • Return to oven for 10 minutes
6. Cooling and Setting:
   • Turn off oven, crack door slightly
   • Let cheesecake cool in oven 1 hour
   • Remove from water bath, refrigerate 8 hours or overnight

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This homemade cheesecake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container. For the best flavor and texture, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.

Garnish Options:

• Fresh seasonal berries
• Warm caramel sauce
• Chocolate shavings
• Whipped cream
• Mixed berry compote

Make it Your Signature Dessert

This classic homemade cheesecake recipe provides the perfect foundation for countless variations. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or special celebration, this dessert promises to become your go-to recipe for creating memorable moments around the table.

Print