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Basic Cheesecake

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  • Prep 30 min
  • Total 60 min
  • Servings 16
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If you're new to the world of making cheesecake, it's a good idea to start with the basics. This recipe delivers an easy intro for making a sweet and creamy cheesecake.
by: Angela Dalton
Updated Feb 3, 2017
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 4 tbsp. butter
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 1/4 cup sugar
  • 4 eggs, separated
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 lb. cream cheese (or Neufchâtel cheese), room temperature

Steps

  • 1
    To make the graham cracker crust, melt the butter in the microwave or over stovetop. Mix the crumbs, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl.
  • 2
    Butter the pan and then press the crumb mixture over the bottom and slightly up the sides. Chill in the fridge. Preheat the oven to 325°F while you assemble the rest of the mixture.
  • 3
    Beat egg yolks with an electric mixture. Add sour cream, flour, salt 3/4 cup sugar and vanilla and blend well. Add the softened cream cheese (or Neufchâtel) and mix until smooth.
  • 4
    Next beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually mix 1/4 cup sugar into the whites. Keep going until the whites become stiff and shiny. Gently fold into the cream cheese mixture and spoon into the crust.
  • 5
    Bake about 1 hour. To test for doneness, gently shake the cake. If the top jiggles, it needs a little more time.
  • 6
    Remove from oven and cool. Chill overnight before serving. Add fresh fruit or a swirl of melted chocolate to the top for a delicious finish!

Expert Tips

  • tip 1
    Start by learning how to make a Basic Cheesecake, or try a Strawberry Cheesecake cheater’s version if you’re pressed for time. One note about the type of cheese you use. Most recipes will call for regular cream cheese. Just as there are hundreds of variants on making cheesecake, there are many different types of cheeses you can use. An American Neufchâtel cheese is great to use in a cheesecake. There is a difference between traditional French Neufchâtel and American Neufchâtel. American Neufchâtel cheese is very similar in texture and taste to cream cheese, but is a bit softer and moister, with 1/3 less fat than regular cream cheese. There's really no hard part to making a cheesecake. It just takes some patience. The graham cracker crust may take a few tries to get it level, but you'll quickly get the hang of it. Also, getting the egg whites to the right consistency takes some time — that's why an electric mixer will be your best friend in this adventure. All in all, while your first attempt may not go as well as planned (lumps are still delicious) the more you experiment with different cheeses and flavors, the faster you'll have this culinary favorite under your belt in no time!

Nutrition Information

303.8 Calories, 20.3g Total Fat, 4.6g Protein, 26.6g Total Carbohydrate, 18.1g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
303.8
Total Fat
20.3g
31%
Saturated Fat
10.1g
51%
Cholesterol
92.8mg
31%
Sodium
265.1mg
11%
Potassium
96.1mg
3%
Total Carbohydrate
26.6g
9%
Dietary Fiber
0.4g
2%
Sugars
18.1g
Protein
4.6g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin C
0.20%
0%
Calcium
6.90%
7%
Iron
5.20%
5%
Exchanges:
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

More About This Recipe

  • Start by learning how to make a Basic Cheesecake, or try a Strawberry Cheesecake cheater’s version if you’re pressed for time.

    One note about the type of cheese you use. Most recipes will call for regular cream cheese. Just as there are hundreds of variants on making cheesecake, there are many different types of cheeses you can use. 

    An American Neufchâtel cheese is great to use in a cheesecake. There is a difference between traditional French Neufchâtel and American Neufchâtel. American Neufchâtel cheese is very similar in texture and taste to cream cheese, but is a bit softer and moister, with 1/3 less fat than regular cream cheese.

    There's really no hard part to making a cheesecake. It just takes some patience. The graham cracker crust  may take a few tries to get it level, but you'll quickly get the hang of it. Also, getting the egg whites to the right consistency takes some time — that's why an electric mixer will be your best friend in this adventure.

    All in all, while your first attempt may not go as well as planned (lumps are still delicious) the more you experiment with different cheeses and flavors, the faster you'll have this culinary favorite under your belt in no time!
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