Classic Creamy Cheesecake
Notes: Drain about 4 quarts nonfat yogurt to make 5 cups cheese.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Combine crumbs and melted butter. Pat evenly over bottom and about 1/2 inch up the side of a removable-rim 9-inch cheesecake or cake pan (at least 1 3/4 in. deep).
Step 2
2
Bake in a 350° oven until crust is slightly browner, 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 3
3
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, use a fork to blend eggs, 1 cup sugar, 3 cups cheese, and vanilla until well mixed. Scrape mixture into hot or cool crust.
Step 4
4
Bake in a 350° oven just until center jiggles only slightly when cake is gently shaken, 40 to 45 minutes.
Step 5
5
Meanwhile, stir remaining cheese with remaining sugar until smooth. Spoon onto cake and gently spread to cover top.
Step 6
6
Return to oven and bake to firm topping slightly, about 10 minutes. Run a thin-bladed knife between cake and pan rim. Refrigerate cake, uncovered, until cool, at least 2 hours.
Step 7
7
Serve, or if making ahead, wrap airtight and chill up to 1 day. Remove pan rim and garnish cake with berries; cut into wedges.
Ingredients
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
4 large eggs
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
Whole or sliced strawberries (optional)
Directions
Step 1
1
Combine crumbs and melted butter. Pat evenly over bottom and about 1/2 inch up the side of a removable-rim 9-inch cheesecake or cake pan (at least 1 3/4 in. deep).
Step 2
2
Bake in a 350° oven until crust is slightly browner, 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 3
3
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, use a fork to blend eggs, 1 cup sugar, 3 cups cheese, and vanilla until well mixed. Scrape mixture into hot or cool crust.
Step 4
4
Bake in a 350° oven just until center jiggles only slightly when cake is gently shaken, 40 to 45 minutes.
Step 5
5
Meanwhile, stir remaining cheese with remaining sugar until smooth. Spoon onto cake and gently spread to cover top.
Step 6
6
Return to oven and bake to firm topping slightly, about 10 minutes. Run a thin-bladed knife between cake and pan rim. Refrigerate cake, uncovered, until cool, at least 2 hours.
Step 7
7
Serve, or if making ahead, wrap airtight and chill up to 1 day. Remove pan rim and garnish cake with berries; cut into wedges.
