Vanilla Cheesecake

Cyd Converse

Everyone loves vanilla cheesecake! Learn how to make it and read our suggestions for the very best toppings to go with it.

Vanilla cheesecake is a classic dessert dish that's loved the world over!

We have lots of cheesecake recips on this site, from this delectable No Bake Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake to this recipe for luscious Lemon Drop Meringue Cheesecake

New York Cheesecake Photo

But sometimes simple is best, and this recipe is for a very easy but quite wonderful cheesecake with a buttery graham-cracker crumb. There's something so addictive about the tang of the cream cheese contrasted with the sweet aromatic vanilla.

What's more, this is a very versatile recipe - you can either serve this cheesecake just as it comes, or top it with something special. Here are some ideas.

New York Cheesecake Picture

Toppings for vanilla cheesecake

1. Chocolate glaze. Just melt 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips in a small saucepan, along with 1/3 cup of heavy whipping cream and a tablespoon of honey. Stir until completely smooth, cool for 5 minutes, then pour it over your prepared cheesecake. Refrigerate until the topping is set (generally around 4 hours).

2. Turtle topping. Drizzle melted chocolate and caramel all over the top of the cheesecake, forming a criss-cross pattern, then sprinkle chopped pecans over the top.

No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Picture

3. Blueberry syrup. Place 2 cups of fresh blueberries into a saucepan along with 1/3 cup of water and 4 tablespoons of honey. Bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently. Meanwhile, stir 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir this mixture into the blueberries. Continue to cook gently for about a minute, until the mixture starts to thicken. Cool, then pour over your cheesecake. 

4. Fresh fruit. Well, we said the most simple ideas are often the best! Just slice fresh fruit and arrange it over the top of your cheesecake in a pattern. Good fruits to try include strawberries, peaches and mangos. Bananas taste great too, but remember that they brown quickly, so don't add them until you are ready to serve your cheesecake.

Nutter Butter Cheesecake Pic

More cheesecake recipes

Chocolate Stout Cheesecake

White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake

No Bake Nutella Cheesecake

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Vanilla Cheesecake

      8 Servings

Ingredients

  • 7 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1 1/2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
  • 1 1/4 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 2 pounds Cream Cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 Vanilla Bean, split in half lengthwise
  • 4 large Eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup Sour Cream
  • 1 pinch of Salt

Directions

  1. Heat your oven to 350 degrees. 
  2. Melt 5 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. Meanwhile, mix the graham-cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup sugar in a medium bowl. Stir in melted butter until the crumbs are moist. 
  3. Tip the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan and press it firmly, creating a 1/2-inch crust up the sides of the pan. 
  4. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes until set, then transfer to a wire rack.
  5. Lower the oven to 275 degrees. Beat the cream cheese until smooth with an electric mixer and slowly add the rest of the sugar. Scrape in the vanilla seeds and beat for a few minutes until thoroughly combined.
  6. One at a time, drizzle in the eggs, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Finally beat in the sour cream and salt and pour the batter into the prepared crust.
  7. Bake for around 1 3/4 hours, until the sides of the cheesecake are set but the center appears soft. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool. Run a knife around the outside of crust to loosen it from the pan. 
  8. When the cheesecake is cool, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and leave it to set for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
Source: Martha Stewart
Published:
Author:
Source:
Martha Stewart
Cooking Method:
Baking
Category:
Desserts
Tags:
, ,
Related Recipes:
Cheesecake Recipes, Dessert Recipes, Baking Recipes
Recipe Yields:
8 servings
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
refrigeration:
Total Time:
Published:
Author: Cyd Converse
Source: Martha Stewart
Recipe Yields: 8 servings
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 105 minutes
Total Time: 380 minutes

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 serving
Servings Per Recipe 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories from Fat 468
Calories 770

% Daily Value*
90%
Total Fat 58g
176%
  Saturated Fat 35g
16%
Sodium 388mg
16%
Total Carbohydrate 48g
1%
  Dietary Fiber 1g
  Sugars 34g
27%
Protein 13g

* Percent Daily Value are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrition Facts are estimated based on ingredients and data provided by Fat Secret. Please consult a doctor if you have special dietary needs.

Cyd is a native of Upstate New York, born to a family of women who love to cook and host parties. She shares her love of all things food, home and entertaining on her blog, The Sweetest Occasion and on Instagram.

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