Cheesecake is a beloved dessert that brings joy to any gathering. If you’re looking for a rich, creamy treat that will impress your friends and family, this simply elegant vanilla cheesecake is the perfect choice. With its smooth texture and delightful vanilla flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Below, we will take you through the beautiful steps of creating this decadent dessert.
Simply Elegant Vanilla Cheesecake
Here’s a stunning image of what your cheesecake can look like once it’s finished!
Ingredients
To make this delightful cheesecake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your cheesecake:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined and press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in 1 cup of sugar and continue to mix until well blended.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 to 70 minutes, or until the center is set and only slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool on a wire rack for another hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Once chilled, remove the sides of the springform pan, slice, and serve your delicious vanilla cheesecake!
Enjoy this delightful dessert with family and friends, and watch it become a favorite at every gathering!