Description
This creamy Thanksgiving cheesecake is a 5-star holiday showstopper. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a velvety smooth filling, it’s the perfect decadent dessert to complement your savory Thanksgiving dishes. It’s easier to make than it looks and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream, full-fat
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until they resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Add sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated after each.
- Gently fold in the sour cream until the batter is silky smooth.
- Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.
- Bake at 325°F for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let it cool gradually for about an hour.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients (cream cheese, eggs, sour cream) are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Consider using a water bath (wrapping the springform pan in foil and placing it in a larger pan with hot water) to prevent cracks and ensure even baking.
- Cool the cheesecake slowly to avoid sudden temperature changes that can cause cracks.
- Allow ample chilling time in the refrigerator for cleaner slices.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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