Description
Silky smooth classic cheesecake rises to perfection when baked in a gentle water bath, ensuring a creamy texture without cracks. Rich cream cheese melts into a luxurious dessert that melts in your mouth, promising pure indulgence with each delectable slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240 grams) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) melted butter
Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Meticulously prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 325°F and thoroughly encasing the springform pan’s exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water infiltration.
- Create a sturdy foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then firmly pressing the mixture into the pan’s base to construct a compact crust.
- Utilize an electric mixer to transform cream cheese and sugar into a velvety, homogeneous mixture, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Introduce eggs individually, thoroughly incorporating each before adding the next, then gently fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, flour, and salt until the mixture achieves a luxurious, silky consistency.
- Delicately transfer the creamy filling atop the prepared crust, smoothing the surface for an elegant presentation.
- Strategically position the springform pan within a larger roasting vessel, then cascade hot water around the sides, submerging approximately halfway up the pan’s exterior.
- Allow the cheesecake to bake for 60-70 minutes, monitoring until the center maintains a subtle wobble while appearing structurally sound.
- Terminate the baking process by switching off the oven, leaving the door slightly ajar, and permitting the cheesecake to gradually cool for one hour.
- Conclude by refrigerating the dessert for a minimum of 4 hours, enabling complete stabilization and optimal flavor development before serving.
Notes
- Prevent water leaks by carefully wrapping the springform pan’s exterior with multiple layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring a tight seal.
- Create a perfectly smooth texture by beating cream cheese and sugar at room temperature to eliminate lumps and incorporate air.
- Avoid cracking by using the water bath method, which provides gentle, even heating and helps the cheesecake cook slowly and uniformly.
- Customize the recipe by experimenting with different crust options like crushed cookies, nuts, or adding flavor extracts to the filling for unique variations.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg