Dear Abby'S Cheese Cake
A creamy, fruity cheesecake featuring a graham cracker crust and a choice of cherry, blueberry, or strawberry pie filling, perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup confectioners sugar
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 pint sour cream (room temperature)
- 1 can (21 oz.) prepared pie filling (cherry, blueberry or strawberry) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 3 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Melt the butter.
- Add the melted butter to the graham cracker crumbs and confectioners sugar, mixing well.
- Line the bottom of a 9-inch spring-form pan with the crumb mixture.
- Pack the crust firmly into the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother cheesecake, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you prefer a less sweet crust, reduce the confectioners sugar slightly. You can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed cookies like Oreos for a twist. For added flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesecake chilled, topped with your choice of prepared pie filling like cherry or blueberry for a fresh burst of flavor. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful contrast, consider serving alongside a slice of Best Friends Turkey Tetrazzini for a full meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 5 days. To enjoy it cold, simply slice and serve straight from the fridge. If you prefer it slightly warm, you can briefly reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dear Abby'S Cheese Cake contains roughly 1445 calories, with 15g protein, 279g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 705mg per serving (31% 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 low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese to make the cheesecake a bit lighter. However, it may affect the texture, making it slightly less creamy. Aim for a good balance; the taste will still be delicious with a lower fat option.
What should I do if the cheesecake cracks on top?
If your cheesecake cracks, don't worry! It’s still delicious. To prevent cracking, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature and avoid overmixing. You can cover the cracks with the pie filling before serving for a beautiful presentation.
How can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
To make this cheesecake gluten-free, simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with a gluten-free cookie crumb alternative. Many gluten-free cookies can work well as a replacement, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dessert.
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).