Aunt Joan'S Cheese Cake
A rich and creamy cheesecake with a luscious texture, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and smooth vanilla flavor, perfect for special occasions or indulgent desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch spring-form pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and remaining 1 cup of sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating just to blend after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- Fold in sour cream thoroughly.
- Pour the batter into the prepared crust in the pan.
- Place the cheesecake on the center rack of the oven.
- Fill a small pan with water and place it on the bottom rack of the oven.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour.
- Do not open the oven door during this time.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you're short on graham crackers, crushed cookies can be a great substitute for the crust. You can also use flavored extracts, like almond or lemon, to add a unique twist to the cheesecake. To avoid cracks, don't overbeat the eggs and remember to fold in the sour cream gently.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Aunt Joan's Cheesecake chilled, topped with fresh Cherries or your favorite fruit compote for an exquisite touch. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it a perfect dessert for a gathering. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Sherbet Pies for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It can last for up to five days. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Joan'S Cheese Cake contains roughly 790 calories, with 5g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value), calcium (12% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made a day in advance. Once cooled, cover it and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a firmer texture for slicing. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Why did my cheesecake crack?
Cracking can occur if the batter is overmixed or if the cheesecake bakes too quickly. To prevent this, mix the ingredients just until combined, and avoid opening the oven door during baking. Using a water bath, as suggested in this recipe, also helps maintain even heat and moisture.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but the texture and richness may be slightly different. For best results, avoid fat-free cream cheese as it can lead to a drier cheesecake. Adjust the sugar slightly if you prefer a sweeter taste with the lower fat option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).