Sunday, June 5, 2011

Old Fashioned Cheesecake

I first found a recipe for cheesecake when I was in college as a young woman in the late 70s/early 80s.  Over time I have adapted it and improved it.  (I hope!)


Crust:
1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 15 squares)
2 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Mix cracker crumbs, sugar and butter.
  • Press in bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  • Bake 10 minutes and cool.

Yum!  Golden, buttery deliciousness.
Cake:
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
4 eggs
  • Heat oven to 300 degrees.
  • Beat cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add 1 cup sugar gradually, beating until fluffy.
  • Add lemon peel and vanilla.
  • Beat in one egg at a time.
  • Pour over crumb crust and bake exactly 50 minutes.

Mix 2 cups sour cream, 4 tablespoons sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla together and pour atop.
  • Bake 20 minutes more.
  • Cool to room temperature.
  • Refrigerate at least 3 hours but no longer than 10 days.
  • Loosen edge of cheesecake with knife before removing side of pan.
This is delicious served as is.  It is also delightful with fresh fruit, chocolate fudge sauce, or a variety of fruity pie fillings or glazes.  A tasty strawberry glaze recipe follows:

Strawberry Glaze
  • Arrange 1 cup sliced strawberries on cheesecake. 
  • Heat 2/3 cup strawberry jelly and 1 teaspoon lemon juice, stirring constantly until jelly is melted and smooth.
  • Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes.
  • Pour over strawberries just before stirring.

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