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Homemade Cheesecake photo

Cheesecake

This cheesecake is a slice of heaven! With a chocolate wafer crust and creamy filling, it's perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:
  • 6 ounces chocolate wafer cookies
  • 8 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • Pinch salt
For the Filling:
  • 1 1/2 pounds cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Sour Cream Topping:
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Food processor
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

Cheesecake Cooking Guide
  1. Step 1: Prepare the Crust - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulse the chocolate wafer cookies until they resemble fine crumbs. In a mixing bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with the melted butter, 1/4 cup of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well combined.
  2. Step 2: Form the Crust - Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
  3. Step 3: Make the Filling - In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in 1 cup of sugar and the finely grated lemon zest, mixing until well incorporated.
  4. Step 4: Add the Eggs - Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully combined.
  5. Step 5: Prepare the Sour Cream Topping - In another bowl, mix the sour cream, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Combine and Bake - Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust, smoothing it out evenly. Add dollops of the sour cream mixture on top and gently swirl it with a knife. Bake for 50-60 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Cool and Chill - Turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually for about an hour. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Notes

  • Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
  • For a different flavor, try using graham crackers instead of chocolate wafers.
  • Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
  • Don't rush the cooling process to prevent cracks.