Description
Have you ever tasted a dessert so creamy and delicious that it actually made someone cry tears of joy? This Cherry Cheesecake features an extra-thick, buttery graham cracker crust and a velvety smooth filling topped with glossy cherries. It is the ultimate foolproof dessert for celebrations or a special Sunday treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Thick Graham Cracker Crust:
- 3 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 20–24 full sheets)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the Creamy Filling:
- 32 oz (4 blocks) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- For the Topping:
- 21 oz canned cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and cool.
- Mix the Filling: Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla, and lemon juice; mix well.
- Add Eggs Gently: On low speed, add eggs one at a time, mixing just until the yellow disappears. Do not over-mix to avoid cracks.
- Bake with Water Bath: Wrap the pan in heavy-duty foil and place in a roasting pan with 1 inch of hot water. Bake for 60-70 minutes until edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
- Slow Cool: Turn off oven and crack the door for 1 hour. Remove and let reach room temperature on the counter before refrigerating for at least 6 hours.
- Assemble: Release the springform latch and pour cherry pie filling over the top before serving.
Notes
Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for a lump-free batter. Resist the urge to skip the water bath; it is the secret to a crack-free surface. For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between every cut.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 135mg