If you’re searching for the ultimate dessert that never fails to impress, look no further than Classic Creamy Cheesecake. This dreamy confection boasts a luscious, velvety texture that melts in your mouth, balanced with a lightly sweet, buttery graham cracker crust. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, Classic Creamy Cheesecake is a beloved favorite that delivers pure bliss in every bite — a true comfort dessert everyone will adore.

Classic Creamy Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple: a handful of quality ingredients is all it takes to build layers of flavor and create the irresistibly smooth character that makes this cheesecake shine. Each component has a starring role, contributing to taste, texture, and that beautiful pale yellow hue.

Graham cracker crumbs: The perfect crunchy base, providing just the right amount of sweetness and a golden color.
Granulated sugar: Divided between the crust and filling, it sweetens with a gentle touch, creating balance without overpowering the tang of cream cheese.
Unsalted butter (melted): Brings the crust together and adds a warm, buttery undertone.
Cream cheese (softened): The heart of Classic Creamy Cheesecake! Softened cream cheese creates a smooth, velvety filling that’s rich but never heavy.
Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon brightens and enhances the overall flavor, making the cheesecake taste homemade and fresh.
Large eggs: Essential for structure and creaminess, eggs help create that iconic texture we all crave in every slice.
Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and beautiful silkiness, making each bite perfectly balanced.
Heavy cream: Delivers unparalleled creaminess that takes the cheesecake to a whole new level.

How to Make Classic Creamy Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure an even bake. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, a touch of granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until everything is moistened and the texture resembles damp sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating a sturdy foundation for your Classic Creamy Cheesecake. Pop the crust into the oven for 10 minutes, then let it cool while you make the filling. This step guarantees a crisp, flavorful base that won’t go soggy.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

Grab your largest mixing bowl and beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy. Add in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, whipping everything together until light and well blended. Now, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before moving to the next. This careful mixing prevents cracks and ensures the filling stays velvety. Finally, gently fold in the sour cream and heavy cream until the mixture is perfectly silky and lump-free — the signature of fantastic Classic Creamy Cheesecake.

Step 3: Assemble and Eliminate Air Bubbles

Pour the creamy filling over your cooled crust, using a spatula to smooth the top. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times. This trick releases any trapped air bubbles, making for a flawless, crack-free finish once baked. Little touches like this are what set a great Classic Creamy Cheesecake apart from the rest.

Step 4: Bake in a Water Bath

Place your springform pan into a large roasting pan, and carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it rises about halfway up the sides of your cheesecake pan. The water bath technique is key! It insulates the filling from harsh oven heat, ensuring an ultra-creamy, evenly baked texture with minimal cracking. Bake for about 1 hour, until the edges look set but the center has a gentle jiggle.

Step 5: Cool Gradually

When the baking timer goes off, resist the urge to take the cheesecake out immediately. Instead, turn off the oven, crack open the door, and let the Classic Creamy Cheesecake slowly cool inside for an hour. This gentle cooling helps prevent sudden temperature changes (and unsightly cracks), promising a pristine finish every time.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

After the hour-long oven rest, remove the cheesecake and let it come to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is ideal). This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to reach that cloud-like consistency everyone loves in a classic creamy cheesecake.

How to Serve Classic Creamy Cheesecake

Garnishes

A blank canvas as beautiful as Classic Creamy Cheesecake deserves to be dressed up! Pile on fresh berries, swirl with fruit compote, or dollop with whipped cream for color and extra decadence. Dust with a little powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce for a showstopping touch — your guests will be wowed.

Side Dishes

Balance out the richness of Classic Creamy Cheesecake by serving it with a side of macerated strawberries, citrus salad, or even a light espresso to cleanse your palate between bites. If you’re feeling extra festive, a glass of champagne or sweet dessert wine is a match made in heaven!

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Cut Classic Creamy Cheesecake into elegant squares for finger-food dessert bars, layer slices in parfait glasses with lemon curd and berries, or top mini cheesecakes with different toppings for a vibrant dessert platter. Let your imagination lead — every way you serve it feels like a celebration!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Keep Classic Creamy Cheesecake covered in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 5 days. Store slices in an airtight container or lightly wrapped with plastic wrap to retain moisture and prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Classic Creamy Cheesecake beautifully. Once it’s completely chilled, wrap the whole cake (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving — it tastes just as luscious as day one.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, so you typically won’t need to reheat it. If you like it a bit softer, let slices sit out for 20-30 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving, which can change the smooth texture into something less dreamy.

FAQs

How do I prevent cracks in my Classic Creamy Cheesecake?

Keep all ingredients at room temperature before starting, mix the batter gently to avoid excess air, use a water bath during baking, and allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven. These steps work together to ensure a smooth, crack-free result.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese instead?

While you can technically swap in low-fat cream cheese, the Classic Creamy Cheesecake won’t have the same lush texture or rich flavor. For best results and full-on creaminess, stick to the full-fat version.

Why does my cheesecake filling turn lumpy?

If your cream cheese isn’t fully softened or if you rush the mixing process, you could end up with lumps. Always let cream cheese come to room temperature and beat it until completely smooth before adding other ingredients.

How do I remove Classic Creamy Cheesecake from the springform pan cleanly?

Run a thin knife around the edge of the cheesecake after it’s chilled, then carefully unclasp the pan. If you lined the bottom with parchment, use a spatula to gently slide the cake onto your serving platter.

What are some fun topping ideas for Classic Creamy Cheesecake?

Get creative! Try salted caramel drizzle, warm cherry compote, lemon curd, chocolate ganache, or even a scatter of crushed cookies for added texture. The classic base is endlessly customizable.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never baked a Classic Creamy Cheesecake before, now is the perfect time to give it a try! It’s wonderfully forgiving, endlessly impressive, and guaranteed to spread joy from the very first creamy forkful. Don’t be surprised if this cheesecake becomes your new signature dessert — everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Classic Creamy Cheesecake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy decadence of this Classic Creamy Cheesecake recipe. A velvety smooth cream cheese filling on a buttery graham cracker crust, this dessert is a timeless favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Filling:

4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
2/3 cup sour cream
2/3 cup heavy cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prep the Crust: Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a springform pan.
Prepare Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, then eggs one at a time. Mix in sour cream and heavy cream.
Assemble: Pour filling over crust. Bake in a water bath for 1 hour.
Cool and Chill: Cool in the oven with the door cracked, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.