Description
Silky vanilla bean cheesecake whispers pure indulgence with its luxurious cream cheese base and delicate Madagascar vanilla notes. Rich graham cracker crust and smooth filling promise a delightful dessert that will transport palates to sweet, creamy bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 full sheets)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 packages (8 ounces / 226 grams each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste)
Topping:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh berries or white chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Crush graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs, blending them thoroughly with granulated sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Transfer the crumbly mixture into the springform pan, using the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed measuring cup to compact the crust firmly and evenly across the bottom.
- Place the crust in the preheated oven and toast until the edges turn a light golden brown, developing a rich, nutty aroma that signals perfect doneness.
- Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely, ensuring a sturdy foundation for the creamy cheesecake layer that will follow.
- While the crust cools, the stabilized base will help prevent moisture from seeping and compromising the smooth texture of the upcoming cheesecake filling.
Notes
- Choose high-quality vanilla beans for the most intense, rich flavor that elevates the entire cheesecake.
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for at least an hour to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly.
- Use a food processor to create ultra-fine graham cracker crumbs, which will help the crust stick together and provide a more uniform texture.
- Line the springform pan’s bottom with parchment paper for easy removal and a picture-perfect cheesecake slice every time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 122 mg