Great Traditional Cheesecake Recipe

List of Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 32 ounces cream cheese (4 packages), softened
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for extra support)

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.

1. In a bowl, mix together crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened.

1. Press the mixture firmly onto the bottom of the pan to create an even crust.

1. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

1. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until well combined.

1. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

1. Mix in the sour cream and heavy cream until the filling is smooth. If using, add the flour and mix until fully incorporated.

Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake:

1. Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.

1. Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish and fill the larger dish with hot water to create a water bath. This will help prevent the cheesecake from cracking.

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

1. Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool inside with the door slightly open for about 1 hour to prevent cracking.

Chill the Cheesecake:

1. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
2. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set.

Serve:

1. Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving plate.
2. Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy it as is or with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, berry sauce, or chocolate.

Here are some tips to improve your cheesecake-making skills:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and other dairy ingredients are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother filling and prevents lumps.

1. Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the eggs and other ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air, leading to cracks during baking.

1. Water Bath: To prevent cracks and ensure even baking, consider using a water bath. Wrap the bottom of the springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent leaks, and place it in a larger pan filled with hot water while baking.

1. Cool Gradually: Allow the   to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracks.

1. Chill Overnight: For