Vanilla Cheesecake

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 1 hour + chilling

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
To me, there is nothing better than a simple, elegant cheesecake where the vanilla takes center stage. And when I'm feeling decadent, I'll add the rich chocolate ganache topping. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Vanilla Cheesecake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • FILLING:
  • 4 packages (8 ounces each ) cream cheese, softened
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 3 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°. Mix cracker crumbs, butter and sugar; press onto bottom and 1 in. up sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan.
  2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in vanilla and salt. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until blended. Pour into crust. Place on a baking sheet.
  3. Bake until center is almost set, 55-60 minutes. Cool on a wire rack 10 minutes. Loosen sides from pan with a knife. Cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight, covering when completely cooled.
  • To make ahead: Cheesecake may be stored in the refrigerator 4-6 days before serving. Wrap securely before chilling; top just before serving.
  • Nutrition Facts

    1 piece: 551 calories, 37g fat (21g saturated fat), 159mg cholesterol, 424mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.