Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 24 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Fresh berries, optional

Instructions

Follow each step in order. The directions below are written so a beginner can understand what to do, what to look for, and when to move on to the next step.

1. Step 1.Heat the oven to 325°F, grease a 9-inch springform pan, and wrap the outside tightly with foil if using a water bath.
2. Step 2.Mix graham crumbs, melted butter, and sugar, then press the crumbs firmly across the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan.
3. Step 3.Bake the crust for 10 minutes and cool it while preparing the filling, keeping the oven temperature steady and gentle.
4. Step 4.Beat cream cheese, sugar, and salt on medium-low until completely smooth, scraping the bowl often so no lumps remain.
5. Step 5.Add eggs one at a time on low speed, mixing just until each disappears because excess air can puff and crack the cheesecake.
6. Step 6.Mix in sour cream and vanilla, pour the batter over the cooled crust, and smooth the top without aggressively tapping the pan.
7. Step 7.Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until the edges look set and the center still has a soft wobble when gently nudged.
8. Step 8.Cool gradually, then refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight before releasing the pan and slicing with a warm clean knife.