Easy Baked Cheesecake
Creamy, rich baked cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust and a tangy lemon flavor, topped with sweet cherry pie filling. Perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings, this dessert offers a smooth texture and delightful sweetness that appeals to cheesecake lovers and those seeking an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter; press mixture onto the bottom of a 9-inch pan to form the crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and lemon juice; mix until well combined.
- Fold in the sour cream.
- Pour the filling over the crust in the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until set.
- Remove from oven and cool completely.
- Top with cherry pie filling before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of cream cheese and mascarpone. If you prefer a lighter cheesecake, try substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream. To enhance the crust, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the graham cracker mixture. Make sure to let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven by leaving the door ajar for a while, which helps prevent cracking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of fresh berries for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with the cherry pie filling, which adds a nice tartness. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside other American recipes like Butterscotch Bars(Unbaked) for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, let thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy chilled, or allow to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Baked Cheesecake contains roughly 674 calories, with 5g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (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
What can I use if I don't have graham crackers?
If you don't have graham crackers, you can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even shortbread cookies for the crust. Just ensure they are finely crushed and combined with melted butter and sugar for the best results.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The cheesecake is done when the center is slightly jiggly but the edges are set. It will firm up as it cools. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
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).