Description
A decadent, silky cheesecake infused with real vanilla bean, set on a buttery graham cracker crust, and topped with a light whipped cream.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (helps prevent cracking)
- 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste (or the seeds from 1 vanilla bean)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- For the Topping (Optional):
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
- 2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- 5. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- 6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
- 7. Stir in sour cream, flour, vanilla bean paste, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- 3. Bake the Cheesecake:
- 8. Pour filling over the cooled crust.
- 9. Place the cheesecake in a water bath (wrap the pan in foil and place in a larger pan filled with an inch of hot water).
- 10. Bake for 60-70 minutes, until the center is just set.
- 11. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- 12. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
- 4. Make the Whipped Topping (Optional):
- 13. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- 14. Spread or pipe onto the cheesecake before serving.
Notes
- For a firmer crust, chill it for 30 minutes before adding the filling.
- For extra flavor, add ½ tsp almond extract to the filling.
- No vanilla bean paste? Use 2 tsp vanilla extract instead.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 100mg