Go Back
Easy Cheesecake Recipe
Print Recipe

Easy Cheesecake Recipe

This Easy Cheesecake Recipe is rich, creamy, and incredibly smooth with a buttery graham cracker crust and a velvety cream cheese filling. Made with simple ingredients, it's the perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays, birthdays, family gatherings, or any special occasion.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Rest Time5 hours
Total Time6 hours 10 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked cheesecake, classic cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, easy cheesecake recipe, graham cracker crust cheesecake, homemade cheesecake, New York style cheesecake
Servings: 12 Slices
Calories: 465kcal

Ingredients

  • For the Crust
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • For the Cheesecake Filling
  • 24 ounces 3 blocks cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Optional Toppings
  • Fresh strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberry sauce
  • Cherry pie filling
  • Chocolate ganache
  • Caramel sauce
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
  • Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  • Beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth.
  • Add the sugar and mix until incorporated. Blend in the sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and flour.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined after each addition.
  • Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
  • Bake for 55–65 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle.
  • Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
  • Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  • Remove from the springform pan, add your favorite toppings, slice, and serve.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature ingredients for the smoothest filling.
  • Avoid overmixing after adding the eggs to reduce air bubbles.
  • Cooling the cheesecake slowly helps minimize cracking.
  • Chilling overnight gives the best flavor and texture.
  • Wipe your knife clean between slices for neat, bakery-style pieces.

Nutrition (Per Slice)

  • Calories: 465 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fat: 33g
  • Saturated Fat: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg
  • Sodium: 310mg
  • Potassium: 160mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Calcium: 110mg
  • Iron: 1mg