How to make the PERFECT CHEESECAKE with Cherry Sauce

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: ricotta cheese

💰Cheaper: cottage cheese

Ricotta offers a lighter texture while cottage cheese is more economical.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt provides similar tanginess with fewer calories.

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: coconut cream

💰Cheaper: whipping cream

Coconut cream is dairy-free while whipping cream is often less expensive.

sugar

🥗Healthier: stevia

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Stevia is a zero-calorie alternative while brown sugar is often cheaper.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

Crush 12 graham crackers to make 1.5 cups of crumbs using a food processor, Ziploc bag, or high-powered blender.

In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, stirring until moistened.

Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch nonstick springform pan and bake for 8 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature.

Boil a pot of water for the water bath.

Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (232°C).

In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat 4.5 blocks of softened cream cheese with 1.25 cups of sugar for 5 minutes until light and fluffy.

Add 6 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

Add 1/4 cup of sour cream and 1.5 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing on low until incorporated.

Wrap the springform pan in two layers of heavy-duty foil to prevent leaks.

Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan and pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.

Pour the boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches 1.5 to 2 inches up the sides of the springform pan.

Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 225°F (107°C) and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes until nearly set.

Cool the cheesecake in the water bath for 45 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens