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The Best Cheesecake Recipe Ever Recipe

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4.2 from 6 reviews

Experience the ultimate creamy and rich cheesecake with this best-ever cheesecake recipe. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth cream cheese filling infused with vanilla and a hint of lemon, this classic dessert is baked in a water bath to ensure perfect texture without cracks. Ideal for special occasions or any time you crave a decadent treat, this cheesecake yields 12 generous slices of pure indulgence.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 190g Graham Crackers (12 full graham cracker sheets)
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar (35g)
  • 5 tbsp melted unsalted butter (70g)

Cheesecake Filling

  • 32 oz full-fat cream cheese (4 8oz blocks or 910g), room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (325g)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup full-fat heavy cream (120g), room temperature
  • 1 cup full-fat sour cream (240g), room temperature
  • 2-3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Optional Decorations

  • Extra heavy cream for whipped cream
  • Fresh berries

Instructions

  1. Prep: Bring all ingredients to room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and even baking.
  2. Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 325°F (conventional, no fan) to achieve a gentle baking environment.
  3. Prepare Pan: Lightly brush a 9" springform pan with softened butter, line the base with a parchment circle, and add a parchment strip along the sides. Wrap the pan's exterior tightly with 2-3 sheets of aluminum foil to prevent water leaks during the water bath baking.
  4. Make Crust: Pulse the graham crackers and sugar in a food processor to create fine crumbs. Add melted butter and blend briefly until combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides using the back of a measuring cup.
  5. Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 7-8 minutes in the preheated oven, then remove and let cool slightly.
  6. Mix Cream Cheese: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, sugar, salt, and vanilla bean paste for 3-5 minutes until creamy and smooth, scraping the bowl sides regularly.
  7. Add Eggs: Whisk eggs lightly in a separate bowl to avoid excess air incorporation. Add eggs gradually to the cream cheese mixture, mixing at low speed until just combined to prevent spongy texture.
  8. Add Creams and Lemon: Incorporate heavy cream, sour cream, and lemon juice slowly, mixing gently and scraping down the bowl to ensure even blending.
  9. Pour Batter: Transfer the cheesecake batter into the pre-baked crust and gently tap the pan on the counter to release trapped air bubbles, reducing risk of cracks.
  10. Prepare Water Bath: Place a large roasting tray on the oven's lower rack and fill with 1-2 inches of boiling water to create steam and moderate heat during baking.
  11. Bake Cheesecake: Place the cheesecake pan in the water bath. Bake for 75-80 minutes without opening the oven door for at least 70 minutes. The edges should be set and the center should remain jiggly like jelly.
  12. Cool: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours to settle.
  13. Chill Overnight: Refrigerate the cheesecake uncovered for 12 or more hours to fully set and develop flavor.
  14. Serve: Carefully remove the springform pan. Use a hot offset spatula to smooth any imperfections if necessary. Optionally, decorate the cheesecake with whipped cream made from heavy cream and garnish with fresh berries.
  15. Enjoy: Slice and serve this rich, creamy cheesecake to your guests or family for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Notes

  • Room temperature ingredients help avoid lumps and ensure creamy texture.
  • Vanilla bean paste offers superior flavor compared to vanilla extract.
  • Wrap the pan tightly with foil to prevent water from leaking into the cheesecake during the water bath baking.
  • Do not overbeat eggs to prevent an airy and spongy texture.
  • The water bath (bain-marie) helps achieve a smooth, crack-free cheesecake by regulating heat.
  • Chilling overnight is important for the cheesecake to firm up and enhance flavors.
  • Optional toppings such as whipped cream and fresh berries complement the richness of the cheesecake.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/the-best-cheesecake-recipe-ever-recipe/