Classic Baked Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients:

Crust

• 1 1/2 cups of crushed graham crackers (approximately 9 to 10 whole crackers)
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 1/3 cup of melted butter
• 1/8 teaspoon of salt

Filling

• 2 cups of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 large eggs, also at room temperature
• 2/3 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the crust by combining all the crust ingredients, mixing well until uniform.
3. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom and along the sides of a pie pan, ensuring a thicker layer on the bottom than on the sides. Bake for 10 minutes.
4. To prepare the filling, blend the softened cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth. Gradually add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until well incorporated, taking care to use a mixer on low to medium speed to prevent excess air. Ensuring the cream cheese is at room temperature will help avoid lumps.
5. Pour the filling mixture into the baked crust.
6. Put the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
7. When done, take the cheesecake out of the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Once it has cooled, cover and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
8. Cut the cheesecake into wedges for serving, optionally garnishing with fresh fruit. Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator for several days, or freeze for extended preservation.