If you have a sweet tooth and a love for rich, velvety desserts, you are going to adore this Creamy Baked Cheesecake Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of a buttery graham cracker crust and a luxuriously smooth, tangy cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or just want to treat yourself at home, this cheesecake offers that classic texture and flavor combo that feels both indulgent and comforting. Trust me, once you master this Creamy Baked Cheesecake Recipe, it will become your go-to dessert for impressing family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this cheesecake is surprisingly straightforward, and each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering the perfect bite. From the crumbly crust to the creamy filling, these essentials are easy to find and work together to create that irresistible texture and flavor.
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs: The foundation of our crust, offering a sweet, slightly nutty crunch.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients and adds a rich, buttery taste.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust gently without overpowering it.
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient, giving the cheesecake its creamy and tangy body.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling perfectly while balancing the cream cheese’s natural tang.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and subtle depth of flavor.
- 4 large eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set just right.
- 2/3 cup sour cream: Gives creaminess and a subtle tang to elevate the filling’s flavor.
- 2/3 cup heavy cream: Makes the texture ultra-smooth and indulgent.
How to Make Creamy Baked Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Then, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl until it’s evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create a sturdy crust that crisps up perfectly while baking. Set it aside and prepare for the filling.
Step 2: Beat the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until the texture is smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes and is crucial to avoid lumps. The key here is patience, so your cheesecake filling will have that signature silky consistency.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Eggs
Once your cream cheese base is smooth, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic touch. Next, add eggs one at a time on low speed, mixing just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can cause cracks later, so be gentle to keep the filling silky and uniform.
Step 4: Incorporate Sour Cream and Heavy Cream
Mix in the sour cream and heavy cream gently but thoroughly. These ingredients add richness and a slight tang that makes this cheesecake recipe stand out for its creaminess and luscious texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the cream cheese mixture over your prepared crust. Bake the cheesecake for 55 to 70 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the center wobbles just a little when you gently shake the pan. This jiggle tells you it’s perfectly baked—firm but still creamy inside.
Step 6: Cool Slowly and Chill
Turn off the oven, open the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour. This slow cooling step helps prevent cracks on the surface and ensures the cheesecake sets evenly. After cooling, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to develop flavor and texture fully.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
Top your cheesecake with fresh berries, a drizzle of homemade fruit compote, or even chocolate shavings to add a burst of color and flavor. Whipped cream and toasted nuts can also add an irresistible texture contrast that guests will love.
Side Dishes
Pair your Creamy Baked Cheesecake Recipe with a light fruit salad or a refreshing mint tea. These refreshing sides balance the cheesecake’s richness beautifully and help cleanse the palate for another indulgent bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress friends by serving the cheesecake in individual jars or glasses layered with fruit and crumble for a fun twist. You can also create a cheesecake platter with various toppings on the side, inviting everyone to customize their own slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and creamy for up to 5 days. Always keep it chilled and cover it well to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of the cheesecake by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a ready-made dessert any time you crave it.
Reheating
Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, so avoid reheating. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let slices sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving, which enhances the creamy texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of crust?
Absolutely! While graham cracker crumbs are classic, you can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or even chocolate cookie crumbs for a different twist on the crust flavor.
Why does my cheesecake crack on top?
Cracks usually happen from overmixing the batter, baking at too high a temperature, or cooling it too quickly. Following the slow cooling step in the oven helps prevent cracks and ensures a smooth surface.
How long should I chill the cheesecake before serving?
For best results, chill your cheesecake for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up perfectly for slicing.
Can I substitute sour cream with something else?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream. It adds a similar tang and creaminess but may slightly change the texture.
Is it better to use a water bath when baking cheesecake?
A water bath helps cook the cheesecake evenly and reduces cracking risk, but this recipe’s slow cooling step in the oven does a great job without one, making it simpler but just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the steps and tips for the perfect Creamy Baked Cheesecake Recipe, it’s time to dive in and make this dreamy dessert your own. The balance of creamy texture, rich flavor, and buttery crust will keep everyone coming back for more — and you’ll be known as the cheesecake master in no time. Enjoy every luscious bite and happy baking!
Print
Creamy Baked Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Baked Cheesecake features a rich and smooth cream cheese filling with a buttery graham cracker crust. Baked to perfection and cooled slowly, it ensures a velvety texture with a lightly golden crust, perfect for any special occasion or indulgent dessert craving.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Filling
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake.
- Prepare crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even and compact crust. Set aside.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, roughly 3-4 minutes to remove any lumps and incorporate air.
- Add vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse flavor evenly throughout the batter.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent incorporating excess air which could cause cracking.
- Incorporate creams: Mix in the sour cream and heavy cream until the batter is smooth and homogenous, ensuring a rich and moist texture.
- Assemble: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust in the springform pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake: Bake the cheesecake for 55-70 minutes until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly and the edges turn a light golden color.
- Cool in oven: Turn off the oven, crack open the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracks by gradual temperature change.
- Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and enhance flavors before serving.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Avoid overmixing eggs to prevent cracks and dense texture.
- Cooling the cheesecake gradually in the oven prevents cracking.
- Chilling overnight intensifies the creamy texture and flavor.
- Use a springform pan for easy removal of the cheesecake.
