Ginny'S Cheesecake
A rich and creamy cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, featuring hints of cinnamon and lemon that make it perfect for special occasions or dessert indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup butter, melted ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 16 oz. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 24 oz. cream cheese ⓘ
- 16 oz. dairy sour cream ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 6 eggs ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- juice of 1/2 lemon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup melted butter ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and 1/3 cup melted butter; blend well.
- Add cinnamon, pecans, and 1 1/4 cups sugar to the mixture and blend again.
- Press the mixture onto the bottom and sides of a buttered spring-form pan to form the crust.
- Set aside the crust.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of different cheeses like mascarpone or cream cheese instead of just ricotta. You can substitute sugar with a sugar alternative if desired. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter. If you prefer a slightly different texture, try adding a tablespoon of sour cream to the crust mixture for added moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Ginny's Cheesecake with a drizzle of berry sauce or fresh fruit for a vibrant presentation. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful contrast, consider serving it alongside a slice of Lemon Berry Pie - Diet. Garnish each slice with whipped cream and lemon zest for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to freeze the cheesecake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil; it can last up to three months. To reheat, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, and enjoy it chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ginny'S Cheesecake contains roughly 1066 calories, with 15g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 467mg per serving (20% 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 cheese in this cheesecake?
Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese with cream cheese or mascarpone for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, and you might need to adjust the sugar accordingly based on the sweetness of the cheese used.
How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking on top?
To minimize cracking, bake your cheesecake in a water bath, which helps maintain a consistent temperature. Also, avoid overmixing the batter and let it cool gradually in the oven after baking. This helps prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracks.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Ginny's Cheesecake can be made up to two days in advance. Just ensure it is properly stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings or special occasions.
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).