Vanilla Cheesecake

Total Time Prep: 30 min. Bake: 55 minutes + chilling
Yield 12 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
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

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 side 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 side from pan with a knife. Cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight, covering when completely cooled.

Nutrition Facts

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

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
Recipe Creator

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