Ultimate Cheesecake Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Perfectly Creamy

Who doesn’t love a smooth, creamy slice of cheesecake? This classic dessert, combining simplicity and elegance, can be the star of any occasion or a delightful treat at the end of a long day. In this article, we bring you an irresistible cheesecake recipe that offers the perfect balance of rich flavor and creamy texture, with options to prepare it traditionally or with a healthier twist.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, our detailed steps will make the cheesecake-making process enjoyable and successful from the very first try. Stay with us to uncover all the secrets!

Ingredients

Base:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs.

• ⅓ cup white sugar.

• ½ cup melted butter.

Filling:

• 2 pounds (about 900 grams) softened cream cheese.

• 1 cup white sugar.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

• 4 large eggs.

• ¾ cup sour cream.

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.

Topping (optional):

• Fresh berries or fruit sauce.

• Whipped cream.

• Chocolate sauce.

Instructions

Prepare the crust:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the white sugar.

3. Add the melted butter and stir until well combined.

4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch cheesecake pan to form the base.

5. Bake the base for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Prepare the filling of cheesecake recipe:

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

2. Add the white sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well combined.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg.

4. Mix the sour cream and flour until combined.

5. Pour the filling over the cooled base of the cheesecake pan.

Bake the cheesecake:

1. Place the cheesecake pan on a baking sheet, then bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is firm but slightly jiggle-y.

2. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour.

3. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cheesecake.

4. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Serving of the cheesecake:

1. Remove the cheesecake from the cheesecake pan and place on a serving plate.

2. Garnish with fresh berries, fruit sauce, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce as desired.

3. Slice and serve cold.

Tips for preparing a healthy and light cheesecake recipe

Prepare the base in a healthy way

• Replace graham crackers:

• Use oatmeal or whole grain crackers instead of regular crackers.

• Reduce the butter:

• Replace half the amount of butter with low-fat milk or fat-free yogurt to improve the texture and reduce fat.

Filling

• Cream cheese:

• Choose low-fat cream cheese or half its amount and replace it with ricotta cheese or low-fat Greek yogurt.

• Sugar:

• Reduce the amount of sugar or use natural sweeteners such as honey, stevia, or coconut sugar.

• Eggs:

• Use egg whites instead of whole eggs to reduce cholesterol and fat.

Topping

• Alternatives to traditional toppings:

• Replace chocolate with unsweetened cocoa sauce mixed with honey.

• Skip the heavy cream and decorate the cheesecake with fresh berries or fruit pieces.

Baking Method of classic cheesecake recipe

• Using a water bath:

• To get a smooth, crack-free texture, place the cheesecake in a pan filled with warm water while baking.

• Baking at a low temperature:

• Bake the cheesecake at 300°F (150°C) for a longer time (about 70-75 minutes) for a better, less dry result.

Serving

• Cooling well:

• Let the cheesecake cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours for the best flavor and perfect texture.

• Serving in an appropriate size:

• Cut the cheesecake into smaller slices to reduce the amount of calories in each slice.

Serving additional options

• Serve with the cheesecake unsweetened fruit sauce or a few nuts to enhance the flavor without adding sugar 

the approximate nutrition value per slice of classic cheesecake (based on a 9-inch cheesecake divided into 12 slices):

• Calories: 360-400 kcal

• Protein: 6-8 g

• Carbohydrates: 30-35 g

• Sugar: 22-26 g

• Fat: 25-28 g

• Saturated Fat: 14-16 g

• Cholesterol: 120-140 mg

• Fiber: 0.5-1 g

• Sodium: 250-300 mg

Note: These values will vary based on the ingredients and toppings used. For a healthier version, substitutions like low-fat cream cheese or natural sweeteners can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content.

Cheesecake Recipe FAQ

1. What causes cheesecake to crack while baking?

• Cracks are often caused by over-beating the filling or baking at too high a temperature.

• Solution: Use a water bath while baking and reduce the speed of mixing when adding ingredients.

2. How can I make sure my cheesecake is fully cooked?

• The center of the cheesecake should be firm with a little wobble when stirred.

• When using a wooden stick, it should not come out completely clean, but it should have a little bit of filling.

3. Can I make cheesecake without an oven?

• Yes, a cold cheesecake (no-bake) can be made using whipped cream cheese and whipped cream with a traditional base. The cheesecake is frozen in the refrigerator until it sets.

4. What is the ideal substitute for graham crackers?

• You can use oatmeal cookies, whole grain cookies, or even ground nuts such as almonds or walnuts.

5. How can I keep my cheesecake longer?

• Cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

• For long-term storage, cheesecake can be frozen without the topping for up to 2 months.

6. How can I make cheesecake lower in calories?

• Substitute some ingredients for healthier ones such as low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and use natural sweeteners instead of sugar.

7. Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, ricotta or mascarpone cheese can be used for different flavors and textures.

8. Why does cheesecake need to be refrigerated?

Refrigeration helps the filling set and enhances the flavor, giving the cheesecake the perfect texture.

9. What can I use as a topping?

Fresh fruit, fruit sauce, chopped nuts, melted chocolate, or whipped cream are popular options.

10. How can I prevent cheesecake from sticking to the baking pan?

• Make sure to grease the pan with butter or use parchment paper in the base, and it is also preferable to run a knife around the edges before removing the pan.