- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles coarse sand and all the crumbs are moistened.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to pack it tightly. Press some of the mixture up the sides of the pan if desired.
- Bake Crust:
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling. Leave the oven on.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and mix until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour Filling Over Crust:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
- Bake Cheesecake:
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet (to catch any potential leaks) and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges of the cheesecake are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool Cheesecake:
- Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracks from forming on the surface.
- After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
- Serve Cheesecake:
- Before serving, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve chilled. Optionally, top with fruit compote, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce.
Enjoy this creamy and decadent Baked Cheesecake as a delightful dessert for any occasion!