November 29, 2008

The Ultimate Cheesecake…No Kidding.

A couple of weeks ago I made the cheesecake in Dorie Greenspan’s Baking: From My Home to Yours. It turned out perfectly. So perfectly, in fact, tht I decided to make it again for Thanksgiving, except – you know me – I had to change it up a little bit. Again – perfect cheesecake. It must be foolproof. The texture is creamy, sweet, and, well, everything a cheesecake should be. It’s the type of cheesecake they would serve at a high dollar bistro – except you made it yourself in your own kithen. Yes, it does take time. Not so much in preparation, as that is fairly easy since the Kitchen Aid does it all for you, but the bake time. Good Lord. Sheer torture, I tell you.

Perfection Cheesecake

baked in a 12 inch springform pan, serves 16

Graham Cracker Crust

2 cups crushed graham crackers

4 Tbsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ginger

5 Tbsp. Melted Butter

Cheesecake

5 boxes softened Cream Cheese

1 2/3 cups sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

2 1/2 tsp. Vanilla

5 eggs, room temperature

3/4 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup sour cream

You will need a deep springform pan for this cheesecake, as it is quite tall. Wrap the 12 inch springform in a double layer of aluminum foil and butter the inside well. For the crust, whisk all the ingredients in a bowl, then pour over the melted butter and combine well with a fork or your fingers. Press into the springform bottom and up the sides, about halfway is fine. Bake on a baking sheet at 350 for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool. Reduce the oven temperature to 325.

Put all of the cream cheese into the mixer and whip at medium speed for about 5 minutes. Slowly add the sugar and salt while the mixer continues to run for another 5 minutes. Add the vanilla, followed by the eggs. Add the eggs one at a time, and allow them to beat for about a minute each before adding another egg. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the sour cream and the whipping cream.

Fill a large pan with very hot water and place the springform pan in it so that the water comes up the sides about halfway. Pour the cheesecake batter into the springform until it reaches the top. Bake on the middle rack at 325 for 1 1/2 hours, until top is lightly browned. Turn off the oven and prop the door with a wooden spoon for another hour. Remove from oven and allow to come to room temp, then refrigerate for several hours. Remove sides of the springform pan just before serving.

I added chocolate syrup to mine, but this cheeescake is just as tasty on it’s own. I think it would be fanstastic with a layer of dulce de leche and chocolate, or with a nice strawberry syrup. I really don’t think you can mess this one up!

If you liked this article, you might like:

Spread the love

5 Comments

Emma
June 18, 2022 @ 5:33 pm

I’m going to be honest. I usually roll my eyes at any recipe that claims to be “the best.” But I needed a recipe that used a 12” springform pan (I had family in town and needed a large recipe) so I decided to try this one. Hands down, this is certainly the best cheesecake recipe I’ve ever made, and I actually have a second one in the oven less than a week later! All my family raved about it! Do you happen to have the recipe/measurements for this exact cake but a 9” pan? I’m mainly concerned about the bake time because I wouldn’t want to mess that up but would love a smaller portioned recipe for smaller crowds.

Reply
- doughmesstic
  June 28, 2022 @ 12:29 am
  
  I’m sorry, I don’t have a baking time for that! But I am so glad you liked my recipe! I would just reduce the bake time but keep an eye on it, and go from there. Best of luck!
  
  Reply
Patricia
October 6, 2022 @ 2:15 pm

Hi Susan! I baked this cake a few months back for a BBQ at a friends’ place for like 20 people. I decorated it with fresh berries and some ice sugar sprinkled on top and it was fantastic! Big hit.

I am planning to bake it for another gathering this weekend 🙂 Now I cannot remember the amount the of cream cheese I used… since I am not familiar with US sizing, could you please let me know grams in a box of cheese?

Thanks!

Reply
martha holland
January 17, 2024 @ 1:02 pm

I’m not feeling optimistic about this recipe. so far, just concern. Honestly, more instructions would definitely make a novice feel more comfortable.

Reply
Judith
February 19, 2024 @ 10:58 am

Certainly is the best cheesecake ever !
Usually make a 9 inch but was looking for a 12 inch recipe for my grandson’s birthday.
Did not disappoint.
Followed the directions exactly as printed and it was a huge success!
Have made it again and again .
It is now my go-to recipe.
Thanks

Reply

The Ultimate Cheesecake…No Kidding.

If you liked this article, you might like:

5 Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply