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    Home » Real Food » Desserts » The Best Cheesecake Recipe

    The Best Cheesecake Recipe

    By Kristen Chidsey | 14 Comments | Published February 25, 2019 | Updated March 26, 2022 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    This classic cheesecake with graham cracker crust is light and creamy! This cheesecake recipe produces the ABSOLUTE best cheesecake ever--thanks to a few key secrets.

    This recipe makes the most Perfect Cheesecake! It is creamy, light, and perfectly flavored--it will be your go-to Cheesecake recipe. 

    If you are looking for a cheesecake recipe that will WOW, this is it! This recipe for cheesecake has been in my family for nearly a century--and is by far is the BEST Cheesecake recipe ever!

    Cheesecake on white plate with cherries on top.

    While I love, homemade desserts like Brownies, Apple Crisp, Banana Pudding, and Cherry Crumb Pie, cheesecake is my request for my birthday dessert year after year.

    But not just any cheesecake will do! I must have my Nana's Cheesecake which is light, fluffy, and simply perfect.

    There are two things that make this cheesecake recipe stand out from the rest. 

    • Egg Whites: Instead of beating whole eggs into the cheesecake batter, this recipe calls for folding stiff egg whites into the batter. It makes this cheesecake so light and fluffy. Trust me on this--it is a game-changer!
    • Sour Cream Topping: A slightly sweetened sour cream topping is added to the cheesecake for a tangy finish that balances out the sweetness of this recipe perfectly.

    Notes on Ingredients

    Ingredients for cheesecake labeled on white counter.
    • Springform Pan: A 9-inch springform pan is essential for making a cheesecake. Technically you can use a 9-inch cake pan, but it is next to impossible to slice pretty slices from a cake pan.
    • Cream Cheese: Do NOT use fat-free cream cheese for cheesecake. Neufchatel or ⅓ less fat cream cheese works fine, but regular cream cheese is best. It is also essential for the cream cheese to be at room temperature so that it incorporates evenly into the batter.
    • Sour Cream: Sour cream may sound like an odd topping, but the little bit of tang really helps to balance this cheesecake. Just be sure to use full-fat, not fat-free sour cream.
    • For the Crust: This recipe calls for a traditional graham cracker crust mixed with butter and sugar. Feel free to use chocolate graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even gingersnaps in place of the graham crackers.

    Step-By-Step Directions

    Making cheesecake is not hard, but it is more time-consuming than some other recipes. However, the effort is so worth the results. I will walk you through all my tips for making the perfect cheesecake, so you can have a perfect cheesecake yourself!

    Step One: Prepare Graham Cracker Crust

    • In a food processor fitted with an s-blade, process 1 sleeve of graham crackers to create 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs.
    • To the food processor, add in 2 tablespoons of sugar and pulse to combine.
    • With the food processor running, add the melted butter through the lid, and continue to process until the graham crackers look like wet sand.
    • Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
    • Bake for 10 minutes. This will help the crust set up and harden before adding the cheesecake batter.
    Graham Cracker crust pressed into pan for cheesecake crust.

    Step Two: Beat Egg Whites

    As I stated earlier, folding whipped egg whites into the batter, keeps this cheesecake light and fluffy--AKA the BEST cheesecake.

    • In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or using a handheld mixer, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks have formed.  You will know stiff peaks have formed when the egg whites will stick off the beaters and hold shape.
    • Set the egg whites aside.
    Whisk with stiff egg whites.

    Step Three: Prepare Batter

    It is really crucial to beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. I have found the best way to do this is to add the ingredients in thirds, as this allows everything to incorporate together perfectly.

    • Place 1 package of cream cheese, 1 egg yolk, and ¼ cup sugar into a large mixing bowl and mix together using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed until creamy.
    • Once smooth, add another package of cream cheese, egg yolk, and ¼ cup sugar to the mixer and beat until smooth.
    • Add in the final package of cream cheese, egg yolk, and ¼ cup sugar and beat until creamy and smooth.
    • Add in vanilla and lemon juice and mix until combined.
    • Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cream cheese mixture, being careful to not over mix or deflate egg whites.
    Creamy Cheesecake batter in clear mixing bowl.

    Step Four: Bake

    The trick to baking a cheesecake so that no cracks form on the surface is to bake low and slow in a moist environment. To create a moist environment, it is best to place a pan with water on the rack below the cheesecake while it bakes. The steam from the water will keep the cheesecake light and fluffy while it bakes.

    • First, pour the prepared cheesecake batter into the prebaked crust and gently tap on the counter to remove air bubbles.
    • Create a water bath for baking by placing a large baking/roasting pan underneath the center rack of the oven. Pour hot water into the pan until half full.
    • Place the cheesecake on the rack above the pan and bake for 45 minutes.

    Step Five: Prepare Sour Cream Topping

    • While the cheesecake is baking, mix together sour cream with the remaining sugar, and vanilla in a small bowl.
    • After 45 minutes, remove the cheesecake from the oven and gently spread sour cream topping on top of the cheesecake.
    • Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cheesecake are well set and the center has a slight wobble.
    Sour Cream Topping being spread on baked cheesecake.

    Step Six: Let Cool

    • Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
    • After cooling, use a butter knife to gently loosen the sides of the cheesecake from the pan.
    • Cover the pan with a clean towel and plastic wrap and chill thoroughly in the refrigerator.
    Baked Cheesecake in springform pan.

    Serving Suggestions

    Cheesecake is best if served after being chilled for at least 12 hours, as this gives the cheesecake time to set up fully and for the flavors to meld together.

    I highly recommend removing the cheesecake from the refrigerator and allowing it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes prior to serving. This will allow the flavors to really pop.

    Serve plain, or top with pie filling, fresh fruit, caramel sauce, and/or whipped cream.

    Classic Cheesecake on white plate next to strawberries.

    How to Store Cheesecake

    There is a TRICK to storing the cheesecake to prevent condensation from forming on the top of the cheesecake. To store, lightly drape a kitchen towel over the sides of the springform pan. Then cover with plastic wrap over the kitchen towel.

    Cheesecake will keep for 4-5 days in the fridge.

    Alternatively, you can freeze leftover cheesecake. I recommend slicing the cheesecake into individual slices and wrapping each slice in plastic wrap and then placing the wrapped slices into a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Place a slice in the refrigerator for 6-12 hours before enjoying.

    More Cheesecake Recipes

    • Mini Cheesecakes
    • Instant Pot Carrot Cake Cheesecake
    • Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake
    • Instant Pot Chocolate Cheesecake

    If you tried this Homemade Cheesecake recipe, I would love for you to leave a review and comment below!

    Slice of cheesecake with sour cream topping and cherries on white plate.

    The Best Cheesecake Recipe

    This cheesecake features a light and creamy filling, a graham cracker crust, and a tangy sour cream topping.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 55 minutes
    Refrigerate: 12 hours
    Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 379kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    Cheesecake Graham Cracker Crust

    • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
    • 3 tablespoons butter melted
    • 2 tablespoons sugar

    Cheesecake Filling

    • 3 eggs separated
    • 3 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese at room temperature
    • ¾ cup sugar
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional, but encouraged

    Sour Cream Topping

    • 1 cup sour cream
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Position one rack in the center of the oven and another rack below that.
    • In a food processor fitted with an s-blade, process 1 sleeve of graham crackers to form 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs.
    • Add in 2 tablespoon sugar and pulse to combine. With the food processor running, add the melted butter through the lid. Process until graham crackers look like wet sand.
    • Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes on the center rack in the oven.
    • While the crust is baking, whip the egg whites using a stand mixer or handheld mixture until stiff peaks have formed. Set aside.  
    • In a separate large mixing bowl, combine 1 package of cream cheese, 1 egg yolk, and ¼ cup sugar until creamy, using a handheld mixer. Add in another package of cream cheese, egg yolk, and ¼ cup sugar and beat until smooth. Add in the final package of cream cheese, egg yolk, and ¼ cup sugar and beat until creamy and smooth. 
    • Add in 1 tablespoon of vanilla and lemon juice and mix until combined. 
    • Gently fold egg whites into cream cheese mixture, being careful to not over mix or deflate egg whites. 
    • Pour cream cheese mixture into prepared crust. Gently tap the pan on the counter to remove air bubbles. 
    • Place a shallow baking dish on the rack positioned below the center of the oven. Pour hot water into the pan until it is halfway full. Place the cheesecake on the center rack, above the baking dish filled with water, and bake for 45 minutes. 
    • While cheesecake is baking, mix together the sour cream, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla in a small mixing bowl.
    • After 45 minutes, remove the cheesecake from the oven and gently spread the sour cream mixture on top of cheesecake. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. 
    • Remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool the cheesecake for 30 minutes in springform pan. After 30 minutes, use a butter knife to gently loosen the sides of the cheesecake from the pan. Cover with a clean towel (to absorb condensation), and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 12 hours before enjoying.
    • Cheesecake is best if served after being brought to room temperature for 20-30 minutes. 

    Equipment Needed

    • 9 inch springform pan

    Notes

    Cream Cheese: Use full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese and be sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for the creamiest cheesecake.
    Crust Options: This recipe calls for a traditional graham cracker crust mixed with butter and sugar. Feel free to use chocolate graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even gingersnaps in place of the graham crackers. 
    Serving Suggestions: Cheesecake tastes best after being refrigerated for 12 hours before serving. It is also best to allow the cheesecake to set out at room temperature for 15-30 minutes. The cheesecake will still be cool, but the flavors will be more apparent.
    Storage: Refrigerate leftover cheesecake for 5 days or freeze individually wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 379kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 307mg | Potassium: 139mg | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 1030IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 0.9mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

     

     

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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. SA

      July 08, 2020 at 12:49 pm

      Do you have to line or grease the sides of the pan?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 08, 2020 at 5:01 pm

        No 🙂 There is enough butter in crust it does not stick.

        Reply
        • Amanda Price

          November 24, 2020 at 8:28 pm

          5 stars
          Hi! I made this last Saturday. Omg it was the secret I was missing.
          I made mine an oreo cheesecake and made an oreo crust. But folding the egg whites at the end, is AMAZING.
          Thank you again
          Happy Holidays

          Reply
          • Kristen Chidsey

            November 25, 2020 at 7:42 am

            YAY! I am so glad you found this recipe and tried out my secret. It is a game-changer!

            Reply
    2. Piper

      June 23, 2020 at 2:57 pm

      Hi, I was just wondering if I could leave out the sour cream topping. If so, would I just leave the cake in the oven after the initial 45 minutes? Or should I add the 10 minutes from the sour cream's bake time to the 45?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 23, 2020 at 4:24 pm

        Hi Piper! You can certainly leave off the sour cream topping. You would need to bake for a total of 55 minutes. Enjoy!

        Reply
        • Piper

          June 23, 2020 at 8:36 pm

          Thank you so much for the quick reply! I'm excited to try this for my Dad's birthday 🙂

          Reply
    3. Katrina

      July 07, 2019 at 4:38 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for our 4th of July party and everyone loved it, including me! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 07, 2019 at 8:46 pm

        Thank you for taking the time to let us all know how much you enjoyed. I am so happy you and your guests loved this recipe Katrina.

        Reply
    4. Liz

      March 02, 2019 at 7:38 am

      5 stars
      Whoa, adding whipped egg whites to the batter is genius! This is one spectacular cheesecake!!!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        March 02, 2019 at 8:30 am

        Thank you Liz! That is my Nana's trick and it really does keep this light and fluffy.

        Reply
    5. Carrie

      March 02, 2019 at 12:27 am

      5 stars
      Always love a good cheesecake recipe. Cheesecake is my favorite dessert, Will be trying this out for sure.

      Reply
    6. Chris Lewis

      March 01, 2019 at 10:55 am

      Did I miss your instruction on the size of springform pan to use? Would like to try this recipe!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        March 01, 2019 at 11:03 am

        Hi Chris--I will be sure to make that clear. This is for a 9 inch springform pan. I hope you enjoy as much as we do!

        Reply

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