Awesome And Easy Cheesecake
A creamy, smooth cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for any celebration or casual dessert, complemented by a tangy sour cream topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
- Pat the mixture into a pie pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, salt, and eggs until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture into the prepared crust.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until the filling is firm.
- Mix sour cream, sugar, and vanilla to make the topping.
- Pour the sour cream mixture over the hot baked cheesecake.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely.
- Refrigerate before serving.
- Serve with fruit topping if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother cheesecake, ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist or use a gluten-free graham cracker alternative for a gluten-free version. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider adding a touch of almond extract alongside the vanilla. For a fun twist, try topping with a layer of mixed berries as seen in Crazy Berry Pie.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesecake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It also goes well with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, try serving it alongside Pat'S Quick And Easy Lemon Pie for a refreshing dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover cheesecake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to freeze it, slice the cheesecake and wrap each piece individually before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Awesome And Easy Cheesecake contains roughly 234 calories, with 1g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 934mg per serving (41% 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 up to two days in advance. Just remember to refrigerate it tightly covered. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served. Just add any toppings right before serving for the best presentation.
What can I use if I don't have graham crackers?
If you don't have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed cookies, like Oreos, for a different flavor. Just adjust the amount of sugar in the crust if the alternative cookies are sweetened.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, and the center has a slight jiggle. It will continue to firm up as it cools. If it looks overly puffed or cracked, it may have been overbaked, so keep an eye on it in the last few minutes.
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).