Best 5 Impressive Traditional Cheesecake Recipes

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When considering the epitome of classic desserts, the venerable cheesecake stands tall. Its velvety texture, creamy filling, and delectable graham cracker crust have captivated taste buds for centuries. If you seek to dazzle your loved ones or impress at a gathering, embarking on a culinary adventure to create an extraordinary traditional cheesecake is a noble pursuit. This comprehensive guide will lead you through the intricacies of crafting an unforgettable cheesecake that will leave a lasting impression. From selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the art of achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures, we will embark on a delightful journey to create a cheesecake masterpiece that will delight and astound.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

OUR BEST CHEESECAKE



Our Best Cheesecake image

Not only is this our best cheesecake-a rich, creamy, cherry-topped showstopper--it's also one of the easiest to make!

Provided by Philadelphia

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese

Time 6h25m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 ¾ cups HONEY MAID Graham Cracker Crumbs
⅓ cup butter, melted
1 ¼ cups sugar, divided
3 (8 ounce) packages PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 eggs
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Mix graham crumbs, butter and 1/4 cup sugar; press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan.
  • Beat cream cheese and remaining sugar in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add sour cream and vanilla; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended. Pour over crust.
  • Bake 1 hour to 1 hour 10 min. or until center is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim. Refrigerate cheesecake 4 hours.
  • Top with pie filling before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 341.4 calories, Carbohydrate 36.2 g, Cholesterol 97.9 mg, Fat 20.6 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 11.1 g, Sodium 277.1 mg, Sugar 18 g

TRADITIONAL CHEESECAKE



Traditional Cheesecake image

Our Test Kitchen shares this recipe for a basic cheesecake that tastes great alone or with any number of garnishes. Try serving it with Raspberry Sauce and Sour Cream Topping.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h15m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons cold butter
FILLING:
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1-1/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
Raspberry Sauce and Sour Cream Topping, optional

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs and sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Grease the sides only of a 9-in. springform pan; press crumb mixture onto bottom of pan. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in lemon juice and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour filling onto crust. Return pan to baking sheet. , Bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer., Refrigerate overnight. Serve with Raspberry Sauce and Sour Cream Topping if desired. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 424 calories, Fat 31g fat (19g saturated fat), Cholesterol 144mg cholesterol, Sodium 311mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 8g protein.

CLASSIC CHEESECAKE



Classic Cheesecake image

This is a classic cheesecake -- velvety, rich, sweet and so satisfying. We are major fans of a thin sour cream cap on top of cheesecakes; it's the perfect balance to this rich cake.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     dessert

Time 9h25m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Pinch fine salt
2 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups sour cream
6 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla paste (see Cook's Note) or extract
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
Berries, optional

Steps:

  • Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F.
  • For the crust: Melt the butter, covered in the microwave, in a medium microwave-safe bowl, or a saucepan. Brush a 9-inch springform pan with some of the butter. Stir the remaining butter together with the crumbs, sugar, and salt. Press the crumb mixture over the bottom of the pan, taking care to get the crust evenly into the edges. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool. Wrap the bottom and up the sides of the pan with foil and put in a roasting pan.
  • For the filling: Beat the cream cheese on medium speed with a hand-held mixer until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and beat just until light and fluffy, scraping the sides of the bowl and beaters as needed. Slowly beat in the sour cream, then eggs, vanilla and both citrus zests; take care not to over whip. Pour into the cooled crust.
  • Bring a medium saucepan or kettle of water to a boil. Gently place the roasting pan in the oven (don't pull the rack out of the oven). Pour in enough hot water to come about halfway up the side of the springform pan. Bake the cheesecake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes---the outside of the cake will set but the center will still be loose.
  • For the topping: Stir together the sour cream, confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Spread over the top of the cooked cheesecake and return to the oven for 5 minutes. Turn the oven off, cook the cheesecake in the residual heat in the oven for about 1 hour. This gentle finish minimizes the risk of the dreaded crack in your cheesecake.
  • Remove cheesecake from the roasting pan to a rack. Run a knife around the edges and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.
  • Bring cheesecake to room temperature 30 minutes before serving. Remove the springform ring. Dip a knife in warm water, wipe dry before slicing each piece. Serve with berries, if desired.

CLASSIC CREAMY CHEESECAKE RECIPE BY TASTY



Classic Creamy Cheesecake Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: nonstick cooking spray, graham cracker, sugar, unsalted butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, sour cream, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, vanilla bean, large eggs, boiling water, mixed berry

Provided by Kiano Moju

Categories     Bakery Goods

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
7 oz graham cracker
2 cups sugar, plus 1 tablespoon, divided
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
32 oz cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup heavy cream
2 cups sour cream
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 pinch kosher salt
1 vanilla bean
4 large eggs
boiling water, for baking
mixed berry, for serving

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350˚F (180˚C). Grease a 10-inch (25 cm) springform pan with nonstick spray. Line the inside edges of the pan with parchment paper.
  • In the bowl of a food processor, combine the graham crackers, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the melted butter. Pulse to combine until the texture is similar to wet sand.
  • Press the graham cracker crumbs into the prepared pan, using a measuring cup to compact in even layer.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool to room temperature.
  • Once cool, line the sides of the springform pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, remaining 2 cups (400 G) of sugar, and the salt. Using an electric hand mixer, blend until well-combined and fluffy.
  • Add the heavy cream and beat to incorporate.
  • Add the sour cream, flour, salt, and vanilla bean seeds, and beat to combine.
  • Add the eggs, 1 at a time, and mix until fully combined, making sure not to over-beat. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
  • Pour the cream cheese mixture into the cooled crust.
  • Wrap the outside of the springform pan tightly with foil and place the pan in a large baking dish. Fill the dish with 1 inch (2 cm) of boiling water.
  • Gently transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 1 hour.
  • Without opening the oven door, turn off the heat and let the cheesecake rest for 1 hour.
  • Remove the springform pan from the baking dish and unwrap the foil. Run a paring knife gently around the outside of the cheesecake to loosen it from the sides of the pan.
  • Cover the pan with plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator overnight.
  • Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator and release the springform pan. Remove the parchment paper lining.
  • Top with fresh berries, if desired.
  • Dip a knife into hot water for clean slices, then slice and serve.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 910 calories, Carbohydrate 67 grams, Fat 66 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 14 grams, Sugar 48 grams

IMPRESSIVE TRADITIONAL CHEESECAKE



Impressive Traditional Cheesecake image

This impressive tall cheesecake is rich and creamy, but not too sweet. It goes equally well with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. -Anne Addesso, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h45m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
FILLING:
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
2 cups sour cream
1-3/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping
4 Heath candy bars (1.4 ounces each), chopped

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 18-22 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour into crust. Place pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan., Place in a larger baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan. Bake at 325° for 1-1/2 hours or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes., Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan. Garnish with caramel topping and candy bar pieces.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 540 calories, Fat 36g fat (22g saturated fat), Cholesterol 153mg cholesterol, Sodium 369mg sodium, Carbohydrate 46g carbohydrate (36g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 8g protein.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: For the best flavor, use real cream cheese, not a spread or whipped cream cheese. Use fresh eggs and butter, and a good quality vanilla extract.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature: This will help it mix smoothly with the other ingredients.
  • Don't overbeat the batter: Overbeating can make the cheesecake tough.
  • Bake the cheesecake in a water bath: This will help it bake evenly and prevent it from cracking.
  • Let the cheesecake cool completely before serving: This will help it set properly and prevent it from falling apart.

Conclusion:

Making a traditional cheesecake from scratch can be intimidating, but it is definitely worth the effort. With a little care and attention to detail, you can create a delicious and impressive dessert that will wow your family and friends. So next time you are looking for a special treat, give this classic recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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