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The Ultimate Cream Cheese Cheesecake Recipe

Description

This Ultimate Cream Cheese Cheesecake is a luscious and creamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a rich cream cheese filling, a buttery graham cracker crust, and a hint of vanilla, this cheesecake is a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make yet impressively decadent, making it a favorite for celebrations and gatherings.

Ingredients – Cream Cheese

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions Step-by-Step for Making the Ultimate Cream Cheese Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
    • Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with aluminum foil to prevent leaks.
  2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust:
    • In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
    • Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
  3. Press the Crust:
    • Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, ensuring an even layer.
    • Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to help press the crust evenly.
    • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
    • Remove from the oven and let cool while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

  1. Beat the Cream Cheese:
    • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
    • Ensure there are no lumps for a silky texture.
  2. Add the Sugar and Vanilla:
    • Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until well combined.
    • Mix in the vanilla extract.
  3. Incorporate the Eggs:
    • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
    • Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
  4. Add the Sour Cream and Flour:
    • Mix in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
    • Add the flour and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

  1. Pour the Filling:
    • Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
    • Spread it evenly with a spatula.
  2. Prepare a Water Bath:
    • Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan.
    • Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This water bath helps prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
  3. Bake the Cheesecake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
    • Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour.

Step 4: Add the Topping and Chill

  1. Make the Sour Cream Topping:
    • In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
    • Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the cooled cheesecake.
  2. Chill the Cheesecake:
    • Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set.

Step 5: Serve the Cheesecake

  1. Release from the Pan:
    • Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan carefully.
    • Use a sharp knife to run around the edges before releasing the springform.
  2. Slice and Serve:
    • Cut the cheesecake into slices with a clean, sharp knife.
    • Wipe the knife with a warm, damp cloth between each slice for clean edges.
  3. Optional Garnishes:
    • Serve the cheesecake plain or with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, fruit compote, chocolate sauce, or a drizzle of caramel.

Tips and Variations for Cream Cheese Cheesecake

Tips for the Best Cheesecake

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • Water Bath: Baking the cheesecake in a water bath helps prevent cracks by providing gentle and even heat.
  • Cooling Slowly: Allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven helps prevent the top from cracking.

Variations – Cream Cheese

  • Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake:
    • Add melted chocolate to a portion of the cheesecake batter and swirl it in before baking.
    • This creates a beautiful marbled effect with rich chocolate flavor.
  • Lemon Cheesecake:
    • Add 2 tablespoons of lemon zest and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice to the batter.
    • This adds a bright and tangy flavor perfect for summer.
  • Berry Topped Cheesecake:
    • Top the cheesecake with a mixture of fresh berries and a berry glaze.
    • This adds a refreshing and fruity contrast to the rich filling.
  • Oreo Crust Cheesecake:
    • Use crushed Oreo cookies instead of graham crackers for the crust.
    • This gives a chocolaty twist to the base of the cheesecake.
  • Salted Caramel Cheesecake:
    • Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake before serving.
    • The combination of sweet and salty enhances the flavor profile.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Cooling and Chilling Time: 5 hours
  • Total Time: 7 hours

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 350mg

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Cream Cheese

Origins of Cream Cheese

Cream cheese has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s. It was first created in the United States by a dairy farmer named William Lawrence. He accidentally invented it while trying to replicate a French cheese called Neufchâtel. Instead of producing Neufchâtel, he created a smoother and creamier cheese, which he named cream cheese.

Cultural Significance

Cream cheese quickly became popular in the United States and beyond. It is known for its versatility and is used in various culinary applications, from savory dishes to sweet desserts. Its smooth texture and mild flavor make it a beloved ingredient in many recipes.

Interesting Facts – Cream Cheese

  • Philadelphia Brand: One of the most famous brands of cream cheese, Philadelphia, was established in 1880. Despite the name, it was originally produced in New York, but Philadelphia was chosen as the brand name due to the city’s reputation for high-quality food at the time.
  • Bagels and Beyond: Cream cheese is famously spread on bagels, but it is also a key ingredient in dips, frostings, and, of course, cheesecakes.
  • Global Variations: While American cream cheese is widely known, other countries have their versions. For example, in Italy, there is Mascarpone, which is similar in texture but has a richer flavor.

Modern Uses

Cream cheese continues to be a staple in modern kitchens. Its versatility allows it to be used in both savory and sweet recipes, from creamy pasta sauces and stuffed chicken breasts to decadent desserts and frostings.

The Cheesecake Connection – Cream Cheese

Cheesecake, particularly the New York-style cheesecake, has become synonymous with cream cheese. The rich, dense texture and tangy flavor of cream cheese make it the perfect base for this beloved dessert. While variations of cheesecake exist around the world, the use of cream cheese is a defining characteristic of the American version.