Family-Favorite Cheesecake Recipe

Family-Favorite Cheesecake Recipe
Photo by: Taste of Home
Rating

100% would make again

This fluffy, delicate cheesecake has been a family favorite for almost 20 years. A friend gave me the recipe back when I was single. I've shared it at many gatherings over the years and have even started baking it for our friends instead of Christmas cookies.

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  • 12 Servings
  • Prep: 20 min. + cooling Bake: 1 hour + chilling

Ingredients

  • 2-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 40 squares)
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted

  • FILLING:
  • 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 eggs, separated

  • TOPPING:
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped

Directions

  • In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, sugar and cinnamon; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom and 2 in. up the sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Bake at 350° for 5 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Reduce heat to 325°.
  • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add egg yolks; beat on low just until combined.
  • In a small bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form; fold into cream cheese mixture. Pour over crust.
  • Bake for 1 hour 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 until completely cooled.
  • Combine the sour cream, sugar and vanilla; fold in whipped cream. Spread over cheesecake. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan. Yield: 12 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 slice) equals 414 calories, 23 g fat (13 g saturated fat), 132 mg cholesterol, 269 mg sodium, 47 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 5 g protein.

Family-Favorite Cheesecake published in Taste of Home December/January 1999, p29

New-York Style Cheesecake Recipe.Cheesecake is wonderful for entertaining because it can be prepared ahead. …


VIDEO: Perfect Cheesecake

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Reviews for Family-Favorite Cheesecake (10)

Family-Favorite Cheesecake Recipe

Family-Favorite Cheesecake

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Reviewed on Feb. 06, 2010 by leannette

We have a monthly contest at church and the winner receives a homemade pie, or cookies, or whatever they'd like. When one winner requested cheesecake I made this recipe--it was my first cheesecake to try. The winner raved on so exceedingly I've since had to make 5 or 6 more. Today I'll be making ANOTHER one. Everyone says it's the best they've ever tasted.

Reviewed on Dec. 27, 2009 by carce

This cheesecake was awesome. One of my favorites. I did not have graham crackers so i used vanilla wafers instead. it was great.

Reviewed on Dec. 25, 2009 by Cooking N Maize

The GREATEST cheesecake I ever tasted. Perfect balance of tart and sweet. Very creamy. My Christmas Dinner guests loved it also. I will make this recipe again.

Reviewed on Nov. 23, 2009 by carolee49

I tried this recipe about 3 or 4 years ago. It is on our holiday menu every year. Also one of the favorite desserts at church functions and family get-to-gathers.

Reviewed on Oct. 27, 2009 by Bonsler

I've made this cheesecake ever since it first appeared in Taste of Home. I always have to make it for New Year's Day dinner. There is never a piece left for me to take home.

Reviewed on Oct. 24, 2009 by sudielou

This is a great cheesecake recipe! Turns out perfectly every time and everyone loves it. Definitely a keeper...

Reviewed on Aug. 08, 2009 by mamasnowowl

I make this cheesecake for ALL our Grands birthdays, plus all our friends Always want me to bake one for them. This is by fare the BEST receipe ever.

mamasnowowl02

Reviewed on Jul. 11, 2009 by cassiesmith

This is such a good recipe, I have made it so much and it has never failed!! Would defintely recommend people make it!

Reviewed on Apr. 02, 2009 by cryingbaby

This is a great recipe! It's just enough to feed my entire family.

Reviewed on Dec. 31, 2008 by mrs_h

This is the best cheesecake I've made and/or tried. I don't know why, but I only go through half the cracker crumb mixture so I always make 1/2 the recipe.

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