Traditional Cheesecake

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 55 min. + chilling

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
Here’s a delicious classic cheesecake that tastes great alone or with any number of garnishes. Use this basic recipe as a palette for your creativity!
Traditional Cheesecake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 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

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs and sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Grease the side 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Bake at 350° until center is almost set, 45-55 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the inside edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer.
  4. Refrigerate overnight. Serve with Raspberry Sauce and Sour Cream Topping if desired. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 424 calories, 31g fat (19g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.