Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon (if using) in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until set and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool while you prepare the filling.
Make the Filling:
- Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup sugar and flour, beating until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in the sour cream until the filling is smooth and well-combined.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake:
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).
- Bake the pie for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking, as the pie will set further as it cools.
Add the Topping (Optional):
- Mix together 1 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a bowl. Spread over the top of the pie.
- Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Cool and Chill:
- Remove the pie from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Once the pie reaches room temperature, cover it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, which allows the flavors to meld and the pie to set properly.
Serve:
- Garnish the pie with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce before serving, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Cream Cheese Pie:
- Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in your filling.
- Mixing: Don’t overmix the batter after adding the eggs; overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks as the pie bakes.
- Cooling: Let the pie cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking.
This cream cheese pie is a versatile dessert that can be customized with various toppings and flavors, making it a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!