Description
A smooth, creamy Classic Baked Cheesecake topped with a luscious homemade berry sauce for the perfect mix of rich and refreshing flavors.
Ingredients
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: 1 1/2 cups
- Unsalted Butter: 1/3 cup (melted)
- Cream Cheese: 24 ounces (softened)
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup
- Sour Cream: 1 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
- Eggs: 3 large
- Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon
- Mixed Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries): 2 cups
- Sugar (for sauce): 1/4 cup
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated. Press firmly into the pan to form the crust.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Bake crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Assemble the Dish: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, sour cream, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix in eggs one at a time until just combined. Pour over cooled crust.
- Cook to Perfection: Place the pan in a water bath and bake 55–65 minutes until the center is just set. Turn off oven and let cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
- Finishing Touches: Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. For the sauce, simmer berries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if using) until thickened, then cool.
- Serve and Enjoy: Top chilled cheesecake with berry sauce and fresh fruit before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, crack-free batter.
- Bake in a water bath to prevent cracks and keep texture creamy.
- Slice with a warm knife for clean, bakery-style pieces.
- Chill overnight for the best flavor and firmness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: classic cheesecake, baked cheesecake, berry cheesecake, creamy cheesecake recipe, homemade berry sauce dessert