Master Recipe for Rich and Creamy Cheesecake

76 Reviews

Prep: 25 min
Cook: 1 hr 10 min
Ready In: 4 hr 35 min

“Make this creamy, decadent dessert, then add zest with new flavors.” - by USA WEEKEND Pam Anderson

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Metric US

Original recipe yields 1 cheesecake

Directions

Adjust oven rack to middle position, and heat oven to 325 degrees. Brush interior of a 9-inch springform pan with butter. Add crumbs of choice and tilt pan in all directions to evenly coat, or line pan sides with ladyfingers. Tear off two long strips of heavy-duty foil, overlap in a cross pattern, and set the pan in the middle. Bring up sides, crimping around exterior top of the pan and forming a tight seal. Set it in a roasting pan large enough to hold it.
Beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add sugar and beat on medium speed until fully incorporated. Scrape down bowl sides and beat again until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, scraping down bowl after each addition to ensure a creamy batter. Slowly beat in vanilla, then cream and sour cream. (Meanwhile, bring tea kettle of water to a boil, then turn off heat.)
Pour batter into prepared pan. Set the roasting pan on oven rack and pour in enough boiling water to come halfway up the side of the springform pan. Bake until cake perimeter is set but center still jiggles, about 40 minutes (some flavor variations will take longer). Turn off heat and leave oven door ajar; let cheesecake sit in oven so the residual heat continues to cook it, about 30 minutes.
Remove pan from water; set on a wire rack. Let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until well-chilled, about 3 hours (can be refrigerated up to 4 days). Run a sharp knife around the edge of the pan, loosen the spring siding and serve.

Nutrition

Amount Per Serving (12 total)

Calories
347 cal
17%

Fat
25.3 g
39%

Carbs
23.9 g
8%

Based on a 2,000 calorie diet

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Reviews (76)

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Lisa from VA

Mar. 8, 2007

"I have been making cheesecakes for my husband's mens group for almost a year. I made the Apple Spice Cheesecake for them and have been told this has been the BEST cheesecake I have ever made. Then I..." See more made the Reese's cheesecake for my ladies' group (we need chocolate) and again they also thought it was the best. I highly recommend and look forward to making more variations! I did however change the crust to a more traditional graham cracker crust for the Apple Spice cheese cake by using 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, a stick of butter melted, and 1 cup of sugar. For the Reese's Cheesecake I used the Famous Chocolate Wafers. I used 2 cups crushed wafers and one stick of butter melted to make the crust. I like the thicker crusts and could not see how 3 Tbsps. of crumbs could make a crust."

Joe Chef

Nov. 25, 2006

"The Master Cheesecake recipe was very light and flavorful with a wonderful soft and featherweight texture. I followed the recipe's directions exactly, struggling somewhat with configuring the foil ar..." See moreound the springform pan, but finally got it right! Also, I used the Famous Chocolate Wafers to coat the sides and bottom of the pan...a very, very thin coating that really didn't leave a crust at all once the cheesecake came out of the oven. Couple of suggestions: the Master Cheesecake recipe says forty minutes in the oven (in the bain marie). My batch could have gone another 8-10 minutes (and my oven was calibrated at 325 degrees). Then, as the recipe stated, I turned off the heat and left the oven door ajar for thirty minutes. Also, I don't understand just using 3 tablespoons of crumbs to line the sides of the pan...not enough. Should I have not lined the bottom of the pan? I guess I am use to the traditional thick graham cracker crust. Anyway, bottom-line here: excellent taste and texture and so light that you "almost" feel guiltless eating it!"

swissmiss

May. 19, 2010

"I must say I am a cheesecake Connoisseur. I have been looking for the perfect cheesecake recipe and after trying this one, I found it. I love the creamy, light texture. I am not a fan of a thick, de..." See morense cheesecake. I made the original recipe once and the second time swirled some blueberry topping in. I was asked where I bought the cheesecake and my guests could not believe I made it. It is absolutely wonderful!"

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