Beggs' Favorite Cheese Cake
A rich and creamy cheesecake with a cinnamon graham cracker crust, perfect for special occasions or satisfying indulgent dessert cravings. Suitable for cheesecake lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter; mix well. Reserve 1/2 cup of this mixture for topping.
- Pat the remaining mixture into the bottom of a prepared pan to form the crust.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, remaining sugar, and salt with an electric mixer for 10 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla until well combined.
- Fold in sour cream and beat for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour the cheese mixture into the crumb-lined pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumbs on top of the cheesecake.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes, not exceeding 30 minutes total baking time.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar.
- Let the cake sit in the oven for at least 1 hour.
- Refrigerate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother cheesecake, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you want to reduce sugar, try using a sugar substitute designed for baking. You can also experiment by adding a swirl of fruit puree, similar to the Pumpkin Icebox Dessert, for a flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this creamy cheesecake with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, consider serving alongside the Hawaiian Graham Cracker Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil; they will keep well for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beggs' Favorite Cheese Cake contains roughly 618 calories, with 6g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1287mg per serving (56% 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 use a different type of crust?
Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crust with a cookie crust made from Oreos or any other favorite cookie. Just crush the cookies and mix with melted butter, then follow the same steps for forming the crust.
How can I tell when the cheesecake is done baking?
The cheesecake will be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center when it's done. The residual heat will continue to cook it slightly after removal from the oven, ensuring a creamy texture.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to add any toppings right before serving for the best presentation.
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).