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Family-Favorite Cheesecake

Name: Family-Favorite Cheesecake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 12 servings.
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 large eggs, separated, room temperature; TOPPING:; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped

40 reviews

Contest Winner

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. + cooling Bake: 1 hour + chilling

Makes

12 servings

This easy cheesecake recipe has been a family favorite for almost 20 years. It's fluffy, delicate and absolutely delicious. I've shared it at many gatherings over the years and have even started baking it for our friends instead of Christmas cookies. —Esther Wappner, Mansfield, Ohio

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 large eggs, separated, room temperature
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 blended.
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.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 414 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.

Family-Favorite Cheesecake

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts

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