Description
Indulgent vanilla bean cheesecake blends creamy textures with rich Madagascar vanilla notes. Silky smooth layers provide a luxurious dessert experience for passionate bakers seeking classic elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large eggs
- 3 packages (8 oz / 226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 2 tsp vanilla bean paste)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 full sheets)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsps powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh berries or white chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs, meticulously mixing with granulated sugar and melted butter until the texture mimics damp, compacted sand.
- Pan Layering: Cascade the crumbly mixture into the springform pan, strategically pressing with a spoon or measuring cup to create an impeccably even, densely packed crust foundation.
- Toasting Process: Slide the crust into a preheated oven, allowing it to transform into a golden-kissed base with a tantalizing, toasted aroma that promises depth of flavor and structural integrity.
- Cooling and Stabilization: Extract the crust from the oven, permitting it to cool completely, which establishes a robust, moisture-resistant platform for the forthcoming creamy cheesecake filling, ensuring a flawless textural transition between layers.
Notes
- Crush Carefully: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create uniform graham cracker crumbs, ensuring no large chunks that could disrupt the crust’s smooth texture.
- Press Precisely: Apply consistent, firm pressure when compacting the crust to create a solid, even base that prevents crumbling when serving the cheesecake.
- Toast Strategically: Watch the crust closely during toasting to achieve a golden-brown color without burning, which develops a deeper, nuttier flavor profile.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the crust to cool completely at room temperature to set its structure and prevent moisture absorption, guaranteeing a crisp, stable foundation for the cheesecake filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg