My Best Cheesecake

Prep: 30 min Cuisine: American

Creamy, rich cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, balanced sweetness, and optional cherry topping, perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup margarine, melted
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 3 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup dairy sour cream
  • 1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted margarine, and 1/4 cup sugar.
  2. Press this mixture on the bottom and 1 1/2 inches up the sides of a 9-inch spring-form pan; set aside.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier cheesecake, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you prefer a lighter crust, substitute half of the graham cracker crumbs with ground almonds. For added flavor, consider mixing in some lemon zest or a dash of almond extract. Remember to avoid overbeating the eggs to prevent cracks in the surface during baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your cheesecake chilled, topped with a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling for a classic touch. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries. For a delightful brunch, consider serving it alongside the Bachelor'S Brunch Casserole for a sweet and savory experience that your guests will love.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before refrigerating. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze portions, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container, where they can last up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of My Best Cheesecake contains roughly 952 calories, with 8g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 738mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

952 kcal 48% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.1g 16% DV
Total Fat 59.7g 77% DV
Carbs 54.6g 20% DV
Fiber 3.1g 11% DV
Sugar 24.8g 50% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 738.3mg 32% DV
Potassium 562.5mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 49.7mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 206.4mcg 23% DV
Vitamin C 15.1mg 17% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 197.2mg 15% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
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 use a different type of crust for this cheesecake?

Absolutely! You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed cookies like Oreos or digestive biscuits for a different flavor. Just ensure the cookie crumbs are finely crushed and mixed with melted butter in the same ratio to maintain the crust's texture.

How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

To minimize cracks, avoid overmixing the batter, and bake at a lower temperature. Additionally, place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam, which helps keep the cheesecake moist. Once baked, allow it to cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar.

Is it necessary to use sour cream in this recipe?

While sour cream adds a rich flavor and creamy texture, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a healthier option. Alternatively, you could omit it altogether, but this may result in a denser cheesecake. Adjust the sugar to taste if omitting the sour cream.

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).

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