Description

Thick, creamy homemade cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust and luscious strawberry sauce—a classic dessert that’s rich, smooth, and reliably delicious.

Ingredients

10 sheets graham crackers

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

4 blocks (32 oz) cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup sour cream

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

3 large eggs, room temperature

1 egg yolk, room temperature

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for sauce)

2 tablespoons warm water

1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

¼ cup granulated sugar (for sauce)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
Crush graham crackers finely, mix with melted butter and sugar; press into pan bottom and bake 10 minutes. Cool.
Wrap pan with foil for water bath.
Beat cream cheese and sugar on medium-high until smooth and fluffy (~4 min). Scrape bowl.
Add sour cream, vanilla, lemon juice; mix on low until combined.
Add eggs and yolk one at a time, mixing briefly after each—do not overmix.
Pour batter over crust. Place pan in roasting pan, pour hot water to come 1 inch up sides.
Bake 1 hour until edges set and center slightly jiggly.
Turn off oven, crack door, cool cheesecake inside 1 hour.
Remove from oven and water bath; chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
For sauce: whisk cornstarch, lemon juice, and water. Cook strawberries and sugar over medium heat; stir in cornstarch mixture; cook 5 minutes until thickened. Cool before serving.

Notes

Use a water bath and gentle mixing to prevent cracks.
Let cheesecake cool gradually in the oven for best texture.
Room temperature ingredients help with smooth batter.
Strawberry sauce can be made ahead and stored separately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cheesecake
Method: Baking, water bath
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 230mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 150mg