Grandma D'Amato'S Cheesecake

Prep: 30 min Cuisine: American

A rich and creamy cheesecake with a blend of cream cheese, ricotta, and vanilla, perfect for special occasions or indulgent desserts that appeal to a crowd.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • graham cracker crumbs
  • butter
  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 1 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1 1/2 lb. ricotta whole milk cheese
  • 1 pt. sour cream
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 Tbsp. flour

Instructions

  1. Mix graham cracker crumbs and butter to make crust.
  2. Press into a spring-form pan and set aside.
  3. Cream cheese and sugar together.
  4. Add ricotta cheese, sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and flour.
  5. Beat until smooth; it will look like a milkshake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, ensure all your dairy ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. If you're out of graham cracker crumbs, crushed cookies like digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers can work as a substitute. You can also add a hint of lemon zest for extra flavor. For a unique twist, consider serving this cheesecake with a scoop of Orange-Cinnamon Ice Cream Pie.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesecake is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For an impressive presentation, consider serving it with a side of whipped cream and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. It also complements a cup of coffee or a dessert wine for a delightful treat after dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and serve chilled for the best texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma D'Amato'S Cheesecake contains roughly 1526 calories, with 28g protein, 211g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), and iron (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1015mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).

1526 kcal 76% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 28.2g 56% DV
Total Fat 49.5g 64% DV
Carbs 210.8g 77% DV
Fiber 2.1g 8% DV
Sugar 11.7g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1014.7mg 44% DV
Potassium 1224.7mg 26% DV
Cholesterol 556.8mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 465.2mcg 52% DV
Vitamin C 1.1mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.6mcg 3% DV
Calcium 493.5mg 38% DV
Iron 8.2mg 46% DV
Diet fit High-protein Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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! In fact, making this cheesecake a day in advance allows the flavors to meld and enhances its texture. Just be sure to cover it properly to avoid absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese that has been blended until smooth. Cream cheese can also work, but it will give a denser texture to the cheesecake.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. It will firm up as it cools. Avoid overbaking to prevent cracks from forming on the surface.

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).

American recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →