Indulge in the velvety richness of a Creamy Graham Cracker Cheesecake, where a buttery crust meets a luscious cream cheese filling. This recipe promises a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to crafting this decadent delight.
Ingredients: Gather the following ingredients to create your Creamy Graham Cracker Cheesecake:
Crust:
- 1 box of graham crackers (about 27 graham crackers), crushed into fine crumbs
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup salted butter, melted
Cake:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 (8oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (or more powdered sugar)
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Crust Creation: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, light brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even layer. Bake the crust for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely.
- Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth. Add sugar, sour cream, powdered sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until the mixture is well combined and fluffy.
- Whipped Cream Addition: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until thoroughly combined.
- Filling and Chilling: Pour the filling into the cooled crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Sprinkle over portions of the leftover crust pieces and use the back of a spoon to press them gently onto the cheesecake. Add remaining scraps, smoothing and pressing firmly. Cover the top with parchment paper and press down firmly with your hands. Wrap the springform pan thoroughly in cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
- Final Touch: Once chilled, cut and serve the Creamy Graham Cracker Cheesecake. Consider adding fresh strawberries on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Conclusion: In just over 8 hours, you’ve created a masterpiece that combines the crunch of a buttery graham cracker crust with the velvety smoothness of a cream cheese filling. The Creamy Graham Cracker Cheesecake is not just a dessert; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your palate. Enjoy each bite of this decadent delight, savoring the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.