This simple recipe for the best cheesecake will quickly become your favorite! This is a make-ahead dessert that is sure to be a crowd favorite at your next gathering. This recipe earned its name because of its simple ingredients, delicious creamy texture and ability to have a no-crack top without the hassle of a water bath! I hope you enjoy it.
Variations for the best cheesecake
- This recipe is simple in flavor. It could easily be adapted to create new flavors like lemon or caramel or chocolate. I must say, though, it’s silky smooth vanilla with a flavorful topping, is pretty fantastic as-is!
- This recipe can easily be made GLUTEN FREE if you simply replace the crust with a gluten free graham crust.
Toppings
To add a topping that will make your cheesecake extra special! Simply slice a strawberry from it’s outer edges toward the center, creating a rose-like garnish. I love a beautiful garnish, edible art!
You could really top this cheesecake with anything! Raspberry sauce, chocolate or caramel, or any berry like black or huckleberry would be delicious and beautiful. You can also use canned cherry pie filling for a topping.
I always add 1/2 cup Bonne Maman Strawberry Preserves with 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract. Mix and use as a delicious topping!
Make it ahead:
I would suggest making this cheesecake the day before you need it as it does require a long time to cool and set in the fridge. I like being able to make it ahead to help with the food load during the holidays. If you are out of time and didn’t plan for a whole day early, it still turns out great if you can give it 6-8 hours in the fridge to really set and cool. It needs this time to fully develop the best texture!
Easy no-fail cheesecake
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Graham cracker crumbs
- 6 Tablespoons Salted butter melted
- 1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- 3 Tablespoons Granulated sugar
Filling
- 3 8 oz packages of cream cheese Room Temperature
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 Teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste (Amoretti) Vanilla extract works fine as well
Topping
- 1 Pint Sour cream
- 3 Tablespoons Sugar
- 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, butter and cinnamon. Press firmly into bottom and sides of a 9-or 10-inch springform pan. Set aside. Beat cream cheese and gradually add sugar a little at a time. The trick to making this cheesecake extra creaming is beating the cream cheese and sugar really well before adding the eggs. I like to whip the mixture until it is very smooth and fluffy. Scrape edges, beat again. Now add the eggs one at a time and mix just until smooth and incorporated. Stir in vanilla bean paste or extract. Use a spatula to scrape edges and bottom of the bowl, make sure there are no remaining lumps. Pour filling into crust, bake 1 hour and 5 minutes. Whip sour cream, sugar and vanilla. Remove cheesecake from the oven and pour topping evenly on top of cheesecake. Spread with a spatula (lightly and carefully) and return to oven for 10 minutes more. Cool 25 minutes or so before removing sides from pan. Use a butter knife or tool to scrap around the edge before slowly opening and lifting the springform pan. I like to allow mine to cool enough to room temperature that I can add plastic wrap over the top without it causing condensation. It will still get a little bit in the fridge, but you can remove the wrap and dab the top with a paper towel if needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve. (I like to make it the day before or give myself 6-8 hours of setting time in the fridge). Makes 10-12 servings.
Strawberry topping
- Slice strawberries to look like a rose if desired .For a simple and delicious topping, I like to add 1/2 cup Bonne Maman strawberry preserves to a bowl and add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract. You can also add in some chopped up fresh strawberries. Mix and enjoy, it adds such a delicious tart touch to the cheesecake!
If you make this delicious recipe I would love to see! Please tag me @handmade.farmhouse on INSTAGRAM!
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Images 3,4,5 &6 from this post photographed by Brooke Richardson Photography.