Description
Italian-inspired cream cheese pie delivers a luxurious dessert experience with silky smooth texture and rich flavor. Delicate graham cracker crust and creamy filling create perfect balance for passionate bakers craving something special.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 prepared graham cracker crust
- 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml, 200 g) sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- 2 tbsps (30 g) sugar
- 1.5 tsps (7.5 ml) vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preparation: Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for baking the cheesecake.
- Filling Creation: Blend cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform texture that eliminates any potential lumps.
- Crust Filling: Gently pour the smooth cream cheese mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
- Initial Baking: Bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring the edges for firmness and the center for a subtle jiggle when gently nudged, indicating perfect doneness.
- Topping Preparation and First Stage Cooling: While the pie bakes, whisk together sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract; after removing the pie from the oven, allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes to stabilize.
- Topping Application and Final Baking: Spread the sour cream mixture evenly across the surface, then return to the oven at 450°F (230°C) for 5 minutes to set the topping and create a light golden sheen.
- Cooling and Setting: Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to develop a rich, creamy consistency.
- Serving Presentation: Before serving, optional garnishes include fresh berries, whipped cream, or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the visual appeal.
Notes
- Prevent Cracking: Avoid overbeating cream cheese and eggs to maintain a smooth, crack-free surface by mixing just until ingredients are combined.
- Temperature Matters: Allow cream cheese and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a silky, lump-free filling and even baking.
- Cooling Technique: Let the cheesecake cool gradually at room temperature to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause structural cracks or uneven texture.
- Chilling is Critical: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the filling to completely set and develop a rich, creamy consistency that’s essential for perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 307
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 224 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg