Description
This classic cheesecake is rich, smooth, and perfectly creamy with a buttery graham cracker crust that makes every bite feel special. It is one of my favorite easy dessert ideas when I want something timeless, elegant, and reliable for holidays, dinner ideas, family gatherings, or anytime I need a make-ahead treat. It works beautifully as a simple dessert, a show-stopping holiday bake, or one of those food ideas I come back to when I want an easy recipe that always impresses. Whether you serve it plain or top it with berries or raspberry sauce, this classic cheesecake delivers that bakery-style texture with homemade comfort.
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
3 large eggs
1 cup fresh raspberries
1/2 cup raspberry sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar, and melted butter until combined.
3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
4. Beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth.
5. Add 1 cup sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt, then mix until silky.
6. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined.
7. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 55 to 70 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly.
9. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
10. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
11. Top with fresh raspberries and raspberry sauce before serving.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter after adding the eggs, because too much air can cause the cheesecake to crack while baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 138mg
Keywords: classic cheesecake, cheesecake recipe, easy dessert, make-ahead dessert, creamy cheesecake, graham cracker crust, holiday dessert, food ideas, dessert ideas