Happy National Cheesecake Day! 🍰

Around here, we’re always looking for a reason to gather around the table, and cheesecake has a way of turning an ordinary evening into something worth remembering. Whether it’s shared after Sunday dinner, brought to a backyard cookout, or enjoyed on the porch with a cup of coffee, it’s one of those timeless desserts that never goes out of style.

Our Favorite Classic Cheesecake

Graham Cracker Crust

Ingredients

• 12–15 graham cracker sheets, crushed
• 1 stick unsalted butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Crush the graham crackers into coarse crumbs and combine with the melted butter using a fork until evenly moistened.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. (Use a few extra graham crackers if you prefer a thicker crust.)

Cheesecake Filling

Ingredients

• 32 oz cream cheese (4 blocks), softened to room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• ⅔ cup sour cream, room temperature
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 4 large eggs, room temperature and lightly beaten

Directions

1. Beat the cream cheese on low speed until smooth and creamy.
2. Slowly add the sugar and continue mixing until incorporated.
3. Mix in the sour cream.
4. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low until each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
6. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
7. Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet (optionally lined with foil) to catch any drips.
8. Bake at 325°F for about 60 minutes. Begin checking around the 50-minute mark. The cheesecake should be puffed, lightly browned around the edges, and the center should still have a slight jiggle. Depending on your oven, it may take anywhere from 50–75 minutes.
9. Let the cheesecake cool for about 30 minutes. If needed, carefully run a butter knife around the edge to loosen the crust from the pan. Continue cooling until it’s close to room temperature.
10. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours (overnight is even better) before serving.

Top with fresh Chuckatuck blueberries, strawberries, peaches, or whatever’s in season—or enjoy it just as it is.

Now it’s your turn… What’s your favorite way to top a cheesecake? 🍓🫐🍑 We’d love to hear your family traditions and favorite recipes in the comments!