The Best Easy Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction

This easy cheesecake recipe is perfect for anyone looking to make a creamy, delicious dessert with minimal fuss. It features a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, silky filling that pairs beautifully with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for crust)
• 3 (8 oz) cream cheese packages, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 3 eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
• Optional toppings: berries, caramel sauce, chocolate chips, lemon curd, whipped cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Using a food processor, pulse about 10-12 graham cracker sheets until they become fine crumbs.
3. Step 3: Add 4 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and melted butter to the crumbs and pulse until the mixture is well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the graham cracker crumb mixture into a baking dish and press it firmly along the bottom and sides. Set aside.
5. Step 5: Beat the softened cream cheese on low speed with a mixer for 5 to 10 seconds until smooth.
6. Step 6: Slowly add 3/4 cup granulated sugar while mixing on low, scraping down the bowl as needed. Mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until combined.
7. Step 7: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape the bowl and mix on low until the filling is silky and smooth.
8. Step 8: Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust and spread evenly.
9. Step 9: Bake for 22-25 minutes, checking for a slight jiggle in the center when you gently move the dish; around 24 minutes is usually ideal.
10. Step 10: Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool slowly for 45-60 minutes.
11. Step 11: Allow the cheesecake to cool further at room temperature once out of the oven.
12. Step 12: Chill the cheesecake in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
13. Step 13: Cut and serve with your choice of toppings such as berries, caramel sauce, or whipped cream.
14. Step 14: Store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

• For a thicker crust, add more graham cracker crumbs and butter.
• Make sure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the batter.
• Try adding citrus zest like lemon or orange to the filling for a fresh twist.
• Swap out graham cracker crumbs for crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for a different flavor.

Storage

Store leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Avoid microwaving as it can affect the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cream cheese?

It’s best to use cream cheese that has been thawed and brought to room temperature to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. It will firm up as it cools.

The Best Easy Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 75 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x

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Description

This easy cheesecake recipe features a classic graham cracker crust and a creamy, smooth cream cheese filling. Perfectly baked until just set, it offers a rich and silky texture that pairs wonderfully with your favorite toppings such as berries, caramel sauce, or whipped cream. A simple yet indulgent dessert that’s great for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 sheets, processed)
• 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Toppings (optional)

• Berries
• Caramel sauce
• Chocolate chips
• Lemon curd
• Whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake.
2. Make the crust: Using a food processor, pulse the graham cracker sheets until they become fine crumbs. Add sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter; pulse again until evenly combined.
3. Press crust: Pour the crumb mixture into a baking dish and firmly press it into the bottom and up the sides, creating an even crust. Set aside.
4. Mix cream cheese: Using a hand or stand mixer on low speed, beat the softened cream cheese for 5-10 seconds until smooth.
5. Add sugar and vanilla: Slowly blend in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides as needed, until fully incorporated.
6. Add eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Scrape bowl sides and mix on low until the filling is silky and smooth.
7. Assemble cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly for uniform baking.
8. Bake: Bake for 22-25 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the center slightly jiggles when the pan is gently shaken (usually around 24 minutes).
9. Cool gradually: Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven slowly for 45-60 minutes to prevent cracking.
10. Reach room temperature: Remove from oven and cool on the counter until it reaches room temperature.
11. Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor and texture.
12. Serve: Slice and serve with your choice of berries, caramel sauce, chocolate chips, lemon curd, or whipped cream.
13. Store leftovers: Refrigerate any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother filling.
• Do not overmix the batter to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
• Letting the cheesecake cool gradually helps prevent cracking and creates a creamy texture.
• Chilling overnight improves flavor and texture significantly.
• Use a springform pan or baking dish with sides for easy removal and shaping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: easy cheesecake, classic cheesecake, graham cracker crust, baked cheesecake, creamy cheesecake