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| Meta Description | Today I'm so excited to show you how to make the best Cheesecake Recipe of your life. Simple, classic, and no water bath required! Includes VIDEO. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my
disclosure policy
.
Today Iām so excited to show you how to make the bestĀ
Cheesecake Recipe
of your life.
Simple, classic, andĀ
no water bath required
!!Ā Ā The texture is smooth, rich, and creamy, served over a crisp homemade
graham cracker crust.
Ā
Iāve included tons of detailed tips and important info in todayās post so you can make the perfect creamy cheesecake every time. For a visual how-to, be sure to check out my step-by-step video beneath the recipe!Ā
This cheesecake recipe has been a
long
time coming.
For a recipe with so few ingredients (cream cheese, eggs, sugar, sour cream, vanilla & salt), it took a lot longer than you might think to develop theĀ
perfect
version. Iāve shared a few cheesecake variations in the past, including my
No-Bake Cheesecake
, but getting a perfected classic version took lots of testing. Finally, here we are.
Oh, and we are skipping the water bath! Iāve always found them to be largely unnecessary with cheesecakes. Cook yours on a low temperature and follow my tips below and youāll have a perfectly creamy and crack-less cheesecake without all the hassle of a water bath.
O
ther tested/perfected classics to try: my
Pound Cake
,Ā
Chocolate Cake
, and
Carrot Cake
, (to name just a handful).
Must-Know Tips for Baking the Perfect Cheesecake (Without a Water Bath!)
Use room temperature ingredients
Itās important that your cream cheese comes to room temperature before you begin making your cheesecake. This will prevent any lumps and ensure a cheesecake with a smooth, creamy texture. However, to ensure thatĀ
allĀ
of your ingredients blend together nicely and give you the desired result, they should all be at room temperature before you begin.
Take it easy on the eggs
Over-beating your eggs is one of the quickest ways to ruin a cheesecake. Over-beating can ruin the texture and can cause cracks. To prevent this, lightly scramble each egg before adding it into your batter. Keep your mixer on low speed and stir untilĀ
just
combined. Be sure to pause after each addition and scrape down the sides and bottom of your mixing bowl.
Donāt open the oven!
I know how tempting it can be to want to check on your perfect, beautiful cheesecake, but wait until itās finished baking (or close to it) before opening the oven door! Yes, you will have to test for doneness at some point and thereās a real possibility it will need more time in the oven, but minimize opening the oven as much as possible.
Opening the oven door can drastically reduce the temperature of your oven, which will slow the baking process and might cause your cheesecake to sink or crack.
Free your crust!
Once your cheesecake is done baking, allow it to cool for 10 minutes on top of the stove. Then, run a knife around the inside of the springform pan to loosen the crust from the sides.
As your cheesecake cools, it may to shrink a bit. If the crust is stuck to the pan, your crust wonāt give but your cheesecake will (leaving you with cracks). Free the crust from the sides so it can contract with your filling as needed.
Cool at room temperature before moving to the fridge
I always let my cheesecake come to room temperature before chilling. For bests results, let it cool as gradually as possible. I put mine on top of my oven (the warmest spot in my house) so it can gradually cool off as the oven does.
This pre-chilling cooling period can take an hour or two, but itās worth it. An abrupt temperature change (moving the cheesecake directly from oven to fridge) is likely to make it crack.
How to Store Cheesecake
Cheesecake should always be stored chilled in the refrigerator. When Iām ready to store mine, Iāll usually replace the springform ring and then cover the top with foil.
Cheesecake shouldnāt be left out at room temperature for more than 4 hours (or less if itās particularly hot/humid!).
Can I Freeze Cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze your cheesecake! Fortunately, this cheesecake recipe actually freezes very well. To freeze, first allow your cheesecake to cool on the stovetop and in the fridge as instructed. Once itās chilled, you can freeze by wrapping thoroughly in plastic wrap and then wrapping in foil. Cheesecake will keep in the freezer for several months.
To thaw, transfer to the fridge and let it thaw there overnight.
Hereās a great source for more information on
freezing cheesecake
, including suggestions if youād like to freeze by the slice.
Other Cheesecake Variations You Might Like:
Oreo Cheesecake
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Chocolate Cheesecake
Or try something different and serve this cheesecake on an
Oreo Crust
!
Enjoy!
Graham Cracker Crust¹
ā¢
1 ½
cups
graham cracker crumbs
,
(170g)
ā¢
2
Tablespoons
sugar
ā¢
1
Tablespoon
brown sugar
,
(can substitute white)
ā¢
7
Tablespoons
butter
,
melted
Cheesecake
ā¢
32
oz
cream cheese²
,
softened to room temperature (910g)
ā¢
1
cup
sugar
,
(200g)
ā¢
ā
cups
sour cream
,
(160g)
ā¢
1 ½
teaspoons
vanilla extract
ā¢
ā
teaspoon
salt
ā¢
4
large eggs
,
room temperature, lightly beaten
Preheat oven to 325F (160C).
Prepare Graham Cracker crust first by combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and brown sugar, and stirring well. Add melted butter and use a fork to combine ingredients well.
1 ½ cups
graham cracker crumbs,
2 Tablespoons
sugar,
1 Tablespoon
brown sugar,
7 Tablespoons
butter
Pour crumbs into a 9ā Springform pan and press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of your pan. Set aside.
Cheesecake
In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl (using a hand mixer) add cream cheese and stir until smooth and creamy (donāt over-beat or youāll incorporate too much air).
32 oz
cream cheese²
Add sugar and stir again until creamy.
1 cup
sugar
Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt, and stir until well-combined. If using a stand mixer, make sure you pause periodically to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula so that all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
ā
cups
sour cream,
1 ½ teaspoons
vanilla extract,
ā
teaspoon
salt
With mixer on low speed, gradually add lightly beaten eggs, one at a time, stirring just until each egg is just incorporated. Once all eggs have been added, use a spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl again and make sure all ingredients are well combined.
4
large eggs
Pour cheesecake batter into prepared springform pan. To insure against leaks, place pan on a cookie sheet thatās been lined with foil.
Transfer to the center rack of your oven and bake on 325F (160C) for 50-60 minutes (or longer as needed, see note 3). Edges will likely have
slightly
puffed and may have just begun to turn a
light
golden brown and the center should spring back to the touch but will still be Jello-jiggly. Don't over-bake or the texture will suffer, which means we all suffer.
Remove from oven and allow to cool on top of the ovenā“ for 10 minutes. Once 10 minutes has passed, use a knife to gently loosen the crust from the inside of the springform pan (this will help prevent cracks as your cheesecake cools and shrinks). Do not remove the ring of the springform pan.
Allow cheesecake to cool another 1-2 hours or until near room temperature before transferring to refrigerator and allowing to cool overnight or at least 6 hours. I remove the ring of the springform pan just before serving then return it to the pan to store. Enjoy!
I have not tested this recipe in a convection oven.
1) Graham cracker crust
For more details on making this crust or to use whole graham crackers, please see my
Graham Cracker Crust Recipe
.
2) Cream cheese
Make sure that you use the brick-style cream cheese, not the spreadable version that is available in tubs.
3)Bake time
Exact bake time can vary depending on your oven, whether you bake your cheesecake on a baking pan or not, the color of your springform pan (light or dark), and even the precise temperature of your ingredients. Because of this I recommend checking your cheesecake at 50 minutes and adding time as needed. However, it is not uncommon for the cheesecake to take as long as 75 minutes to bake, but it's better to check sooner.Ā
4) Cooling cheesecake
I recommend the top of the oven because it is usually the warmest place in my house (after itās been on for over an hour). This will help to cool the cheesecake more gradually and will also help avoid cracks).
Serving:
1
slice
|
Calories:
500
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
32
g
|
Protein:
8
g
|
Fat:
36
g
|
Saturated Fat:
22
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
3
g
|
Cholesterol:
179
mg
|
Sodium:
450
mg
|
Potassium:
45
mg
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
24
g
|
Vitamin A:
1200
IU
|
Calcium:
80
mg
|
Iron:
0.9
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this?
Leave a comment
below!
Now Available!
Get my most popular bakery-style cookie recipes in one beautiful ebook. Foolproof recipes and bakery-worthy cookies you can make at home.
You May Also Like: |
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4\.96 from 3471 votes
# The Best Cheesecake Recipe
[](https://sugarspunrun.com/about-me/)
By [Sam Merritt](https://sugarspunrun.com/about-me/)Published Jan 30, 2019
[Jump to Recipe ā¼](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-cheesecake-recipe/#wprm-recipe-container-15637)
7,587 Comments
Servings: 12 slices
7 hrs 35 mins
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my [disclosure policy](https://sugarspunrun.com/contact/privacy-policy/).

*Today Iām so excited to show you how to make the best **Cheesecake Recipe** of your life.* *Simple, classic, and **no water bath required**!! The texture is smooth, rich, and creamy, served over a crisp homemade [graham cracker crust.](https://sugarspunrun.com/graham-cracker-crust-recipe/)*
*Iāve included tons of detailed tips and important info in todayās post so you can make the perfect creamy cheesecake every time. For a visual how-to, be sure to check out my step-by-step video beneath the recipe\!*

## The Perfect Cheesecake Recipe
This cheesecake recipe has been a *long* time coming.
For a recipe with so few ingredients (cream cheese, eggs, sugar, sour cream, vanilla & salt), it took a lot longer than you might think to develop the *perfect* version. Iāve shared a few cheesecake variations in the past, including my [No-Bake Cheesecake](https://sugarspunrun.com/no-bake-cookies/), but getting a perfected classic version took lots of testing. Finally, here we are.
Oh, and we are skipping the water bath! Iāve always found them to be largely unnecessary with cheesecakes. Cook yours on a low temperature and follow my tips below and youāll have a perfectly creamy and crack-less cheesecake without all the hassle of a water bath.
*O**ther tested/perfected classics to try: my [Pound Cake](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-pound-cake-recipe/), [Chocolate Cake](https://sugarspunrun.com/chocolate-cake/), and [Carrot Cake](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-carrot-cake-recipe/), (to name just a handful).*

## Must-Know Tips for Baking the Perfect Cheesecake (Without a Water Bath!)
### **Use room temperature ingredients**
Itās important that your cream cheese comes to room temperature before you begin making your cheesecake. This will prevent any lumps and ensure a cheesecake with a smooth, creamy texture. However, to ensure that *all* of your ingredients blend together nicely and give you the desired result, they should all be at room temperature before you begin.
### **Take it easy on the eggs**
Over-beating your eggs is one of the quickest ways to ruin a cheesecake. Over-beating can ruin the texture and can cause cracks. To prevent this, lightly scramble each egg before adding it into your batter. Keep your mixer on low speed and stir until *just* combined. Be sure to pause after each addition and scrape down the sides and bottom of your mixing bowl.

### **Donāt open the oven\!**
I know how tempting it can be to want to check on your perfect, beautiful cheesecake, but wait until itās finished baking (or close to it) before opening the oven door! Yes, you will have to test for doneness at some point and thereās a real possibility it will need more time in the oven, but minimize opening the oven as much as possible.
Opening the oven door can drastically reduce the temperature of your oven, which will slow the baking process and might cause your cheesecake to sink or crack.
### **Free your crust\!**
Once your cheesecake is done baking, allow it to cool for 10 minutes on top of the stove. Then, run a knife around the inside of the springform pan to loosen the crust from the sides.
As your cheesecake cools, it may to shrink a bit. If the crust is stuck to the pan, your crust wonāt give but your cheesecake will (leaving you with cracks). Free the crust from the sides so it can contract with your filling as needed.
### **Cool at room temperature before moving to the fridge**
I always let my cheesecake come to room temperature before chilling. For bests results, let it cool as gradually as possible. I put mine on top of my oven (the warmest spot in my house) so it can gradually cool off as the oven does.
This pre-chilling cooling period can take an hour or two, but itās worth it. An abrupt temperature change (moving the cheesecake directly from oven to fridge) is likely to make it crack.

## How to Store Cheesecake
Cheesecake should always be stored chilled in the refrigerator. When Iām ready to store mine, Iāll usually replace the springform ring and then cover the top with foil.
Cheesecake shouldnāt be left out at room temperature for more than 4 hours (or less if itās particularly hot/humid!).
## Can I Freeze Cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze your cheesecake! Fortunately, this cheesecake recipe actually freezes very well. To freeze, first allow your cheesecake to cool on the stovetop and in the fridge as instructed. Once itās chilled, you can freeze by wrapping thoroughly in plastic wrap and then wrapping in foil. Cheesecake will keep in the freezer for several months.
To thaw, transfer to the fridge and let it thaw there overnight.
Hereās a great source for more information on [freezing cheesecake](https://www.nigella.com/ask/freezing-cheesecake), including suggestions if youād like to freeze by the slice.

### Other Cheesecake Variations You Might Like:
- [Oreo Cheesecake](https://sugarspunrun.com/oreo-cheesecake/)
- [Pumpkin Cheesecake](https://sugarspunrun.com/pumpkin-cheesecake/)
- [Chocolate Cheesecake](https://sugarspunrun.com/chocolate-cheesecake/)
- *Or try something different and serve this cheesecake on an [Oreo Crust](https://sugarspunrun.com/oreo-crust-recipe/)\!*
Enjoy\!

4\.96 from 3471 votes
## The BEST Cheesecake Recipe
How to make the creamiest, BEST Cheesecake Recipe! Oh, and there's **no** water bath required\!
Be sure to check out my step-by-step video below the recipe\!
Prep: 20 minutes mins
Cook: 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Cooling Time: 6 hours hrs
Total: 7 hours hrs 35 minutes mins
Servings: 12 slices
[Save Recipe](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-cheesecake-recipe/)[Saved Recipe](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-cheesecake-recipe/) [Pin Recipe](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/bookmarklet/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsugarspunrun.com%2Fbest-cheesecake-recipe%2F&media=https%3A%2F%2Fsugarspunrun.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F01%2FBest-Cheesecake-Recipe-2-1-of-1-6.jpg.jpg&description=&is_video=false) [Comment](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-cheesecake-recipe/#comment) [Print Recipe](https://sugarspunrun.com/wprm_print/the-best-cheesecake-recipe)

### Equipment
- [9" Springform pan](https://amzn.to/3QgkVzp)
- [Mixing bowls](https://amzn.to/2C47vQx)
### Ingredients
#### Graham Cracker Crust\¹
- ā¢
1 \½ cups graham cracker crumbs, (170g)
- ā¢
2 Tablespoons sugar
- ā¢
1 Tablespoon brown sugar, (can substitute white)
- ā¢
7 Tablespoons butter, melted
#### Cheesecake
- ā¢
32 oz cream cheese\², softened to room temperature (910g)
- ā¢
1 cup sugar, (200g)
- ā¢
ā
cups sour cream, (160g)
- ā¢
1 \½ teaspoons [vanilla extract](https://sugarspunrun.com/make-your-own-vanilla-extract/)
- ā¢
ā
teaspoon salt
- ā¢
4 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
### Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325F (160C).
- Prepare Graham Cracker crust first by combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and brown sugar, and stirring well. Add melted butter and use a fork to combine ingredients well.
1 \½ cups graham cracker crumbs, 2 Tablespoons sugar, 1 Tablespoon brown sugar, 7 Tablespoons butter
- Pour crumbs into a 9ā Springform pan and press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of your pan. Set aside.
#### Cheesecake
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl (using a hand mixer) add cream cheese and stir until smooth and creamy (donāt over-beat or youāll incorporate too much air).
32 oz cream cheese\²
- Add sugar and stir again until creamy.
1 cup sugar
- Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt, and stir until well-combined. If using a stand mixer, make sure you pause periodically to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula so that all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
ā
cups sour cream, 1 \½ teaspoons vanilla extract, ā
teaspoon salt
- With mixer on low speed, gradually add lightly beaten eggs, one at a time, stirring just until each egg is just incorporated. Once all eggs have been added, use a spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl again and make sure all ingredients are well combined.
4 large eggs
- Pour cheesecake batter into prepared springform pan. To insure against leaks, place pan on a cookie sheet thatās been lined with foil.
- Transfer to the center rack of your oven and bake on 325F (160C) for 50-60 minutes (or longer as needed, see note 3). Edges will likely have *slightly* puffed and may have just begun to turn a *light* golden brown and the center should spring back to the touch but will still be Jello-jiggly. Don't over-bake or the texture will suffer, which means we all suffer.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool on top of the ovenā“ for 10 minutes. Once 10 minutes has passed, use a knife to gently loosen the crust from the inside of the springform pan (this will help prevent cracks as your cheesecake cools and shrinks). Do not remove the ring of the springform pan.
- Allow cheesecake to cool another 1-2 hours or until near room temperature before transferring to refrigerator and allowing to cool overnight or at least 6 hours. I remove the ring of the springform pan just before serving then return it to the pan to store. Enjoy\!
### Notes
*I have not tested this recipe in a convection oven.*
### 1\) Graham cracker crust
For more details on making this crust or to use whole graham crackers, please see my [Graham Cracker Crust Recipe](https://sugarspunrun.com/graham-cracker-crust-recipe/).
### 2\) Cream cheese
Make sure that you use the brick-style cream cheese, not the spreadable version that is available in tubs.
### 3\)Bake time
Exact bake time can vary depending on your oven, whether you bake your cheesecake on a baking pan or not, the color of your springform pan (light or dark), and even the precise temperature of your ingredients. Because of this I recommend checking your cheesecake at 50 minutes and adding time as needed. However, it is not uncommon for the cheesecake to take as long as 75 minutes to bake, but it's better to check sooner.
### 4\) Cooling cheesecake
I recommend the top of the oven because it is usually the warmest place in my house (after itās been on for over an hour). This will help to cool the cheesecake more gradually and will also help avoid cracks).
### Nutrition
Serving: 1slice \| Calories: 500kcal \| Carbohydrates: 32g \| Protein: 8g \| Fat: 36g \| Saturated Fat: 22g \| Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g \| Monounsaturated Fat: 3g \| Cholesterol: 179mg \| Sodium: 450mg \| Potassium: 45mg \| Fiber: 1g \| Sugar: 24g \| Vitamin A: 1200IU \| Calcium: 80mg \| Iron: 0\.9mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this? [Leave a comment](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-cheesecake-recipe/#respond) below\!

Now Available\!
Get my most popular bakery-style cookie recipes in one beautiful ebook. Foolproof recipes and bakery-worthy cookies you can make at home.
[Get the ebook](https://shop.sugarspunrun.com/products/gourmet-cookies-ebook)
## You May Also Like:
[](https://sugarspunrun.com/no-bake-cheesecake/)
### [No Bake Cheesecake Recipe](https://sugarspunrun.com/no-bake-cheesecake/)
[](https://sugarspunrun.com/oreo-cheesecake/)
### [Oreo Cheesecake](https://sugarspunrun.com/oreo-cheesecake/)
[](https://sugarspunrun.com/pumpkin-cheesecake/)
### [Pumpkin Cheesecake](https://sugarspunrun.com/pumpkin-cheesecake/)
[](https://sugarspunrun.com/mini-cheesecakes/)
### [Mini Cheesecakes](https://sugarspunrun.com/mini-cheesecakes/)
4\.96 from 3471 votes ([1,789 ratings without comment](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-cheesecake-recipe/))
## Leave a comment [Cancel reply](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-cheesecake-recipe/?cb=8805367#respond)
## 7,587 Comments
1. **Amanda** says:
April 13, 2026 at 1:13 am

Love this recipe! Itās so easy and delicious. The first time I made it, it came out almost perfect minus the crust sticking to the pan. Made it again and the same thing happened! Iām not sure why but either way itās still so good\!
[Reply](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-cheesecake-recipe/#comment-401092)
2. **Daniel** says:
April 12, 2026 at 10:21 pm

There are SO many good reviews of this cheesecake. But I had to add one more. I doubled the recipe and made two cheesecakes for a family function. People could not get enough! This recipe is a winner.
[Reply](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-cheesecake-recipe/#comment-401085)
3. **Avalei** says:
April 12, 2026 at 10:42 am

AMAZING I heard how difficult cheesecake can be and I was kinda nervous. But I made this two separate times and They were both incredible 10/10 recommend
[Reply](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-cheesecake-recipe/#comment-401007)
4. **Rayne** says:
April 11, 2026 at 11:14 am

Iāve used this recipe for a couple years now and itās our familyās favorite! Thank you! š
[Reply](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-cheesecake-recipe/#comment-400933)
5. **Peter Harvey** says:
April 10, 2026 at 12:15 pm
What can I substitute the sugar for as a sweeter?
[Reply](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-cheesecake-recipe/#comment-400841)
1. **Sam Merritt** says:
April 10, 2026 at 9:04 pm
Hi Peter! Unfortunately I do not have much experience using a sugar substitute. Others have reported successfully using Stevia, allulose, and swerve. I just havenāt done it myself to say for sure how to do it. If you do try it I would love to know how it goes. š
[Reply](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-cheesecake-recipe/#comment-400887)
### Comment navigation
[Older Comments](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-cheesecake-recipe/comment-page-220/#comments)

Hi, I'm Sam\!
I'm dedicated to bringing you sweet, simple, and from-scratch dessert recipes. My life may or may not be controlled by my sweet tooth. Send help (or chocolate).
[Read More About Me](https://sugarspunrun.cultivate-staging.com/about-me/)
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*Today Iām so excited to show you how to make the best **Cheesecake Recipe** of your life.* *Simple, classic, and **no water bath required**!! The texture is smooth, rich, and creamy, served over a crisp homemade [graham cracker crust.](https://sugarspunrun.com/graham-cracker-crust-recipe/)*
*Iāve included tons of detailed tips and important info in todayās post so you can make the perfect creamy cheesecake every time. For a visual how-to, be sure to check out my step-by-step video beneath the recipe\!*

This cheesecake recipe has been a *long* time coming.
For a recipe with so few ingredients (cream cheese, eggs, sugar, sour cream, vanilla & salt), it took a lot longer than you might think to develop the *perfect* version. Iāve shared a few cheesecake variations in the past, including my [No-Bake Cheesecake](https://sugarspunrun.com/no-bake-cookies/), but getting a perfected classic version took lots of testing. Finally, here we are.
Oh, and we are skipping the water bath! Iāve always found them to be largely unnecessary with cheesecakes. Cook yours on a low temperature and follow my tips below and youāll have a perfectly creamy and crack-less cheesecake without all the hassle of a water bath.
*O**ther tested/perfected classics to try: my [Pound Cake](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-pound-cake-recipe/), [Chocolate Cake](https://sugarspunrun.com/chocolate-cake/), and [Carrot Cake](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-carrot-cake-recipe/), (to name just a handful).*

## Must-Know Tips for Baking the Perfect Cheesecake (Without a Water Bath!)
### **Use room temperature ingredients**
Itās important that your cream cheese comes to room temperature before you begin making your cheesecake. This will prevent any lumps and ensure a cheesecake with a smooth, creamy texture. However, to ensure that *all* of your ingredients blend together nicely and give you the desired result, they should all be at room temperature before you begin.
### **Take it easy on the eggs**
Over-beating your eggs is one of the quickest ways to ruin a cheesecake. Over-beating can ruin the texture and can cause cracks. To prevent this, lightly scramble each egg before adding it into your batter. Keep your mixer on low speed and stir until *just* combined. Be sure to pause after each addition and scrape down the sides and bottom of your mixing bowl.

### **Donāt open the oven\!**
I know how tempting it can be to want to check on your perfect, beautiful cheesecake, but wait until itās finished baking (or close to it) before opening the oven door! Yes, you will have to test for doneness at some point and thereās a real possibility it will need more time in the oven, but minimize opening the oven as much as possible.
Opening the oven door can drastically reduce the temperature of your oven, which will slow the baking process and might cause your cheesecake to sink or crack.
### **Free your crust\!**
Once your cheesecake is done baking, allow it to cool for 10 minutes on top of the stove. Then, run a knife around the inside of the springform pan to loosen the crust from the sides.
As your cheesecake cools, it may to shrink a bit. If the crust is stuck to the pan, your crust wonāt give but your cheesecake will (leaving you with cracks). Free the crust from the sides so it can contract with your filling as needed.
### **Cool at room temperature before moving to the fridge**
I always let my cheesecake come to room temperature before chilling. For bests results, let it cool as gradually as possible. I put mine on top of my oven (the warmest spot in my house) so it can gradually cool off as the oven does.
This pre-chilling cooling period can take an hour or two, but itās worth it. An abrupt temperature change (moving the cheesecake directly from oven to fridge) is likely to make it crack.

## How to Store Cheesecake
Cheesecake should always be stored chilled in the refrigerator. When Iām ready to store mine, Iāll usually replace the springform ring and then cover the top with foil.
Cheesecake shouldnāt be left out at room temperature for more than 4 hours (or less if itās particularly hot/humid!).
## Can I Freeze Cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze your cheesecake! Fortunately, this cheesecake recipe actually freezes very well. To freeze, first allow your cheesecake to cool on the stovetop and in the fridge as instructed. Once itās chilled, you can freeze by wrapping thoroughly in plastic wrap and then wrapping in foil. Cheesecake will keep in the freezer for several months.
To thaw, transfer to the fridge and let it thaw there overnight.
Hereās a great source for more information on [freezing cheesecake](https://www.nigella.com/ask/freezing-cheesecake), including suggestions if youād like to freeze by the slice.

### Other Cheesecake Variations You Might Like:
- [Oreo Cheesecake](https://sugarspunrun.com/oreo-cheesecake/)
- [Pumpkin Cheesecake](https://sugarspunrun.com/pumpkin-cheesecake/)
- [Chocolate Cheesecake](https://sugarspunrun.com/chocolate-cheesecake/)
- *Or try something different and serve this cheesecake on an [Oreo Crust](https://sugarspunrun.com/oreo-crust-recipe/)\!*
Enjoy\!

#### Graham Cracker Crust\¹
- ā¢
1 \½ cups graham cracker crumbs, (170g)
- ā¢
2 Tablespoons sugar
- ā¢
1 Tablespoon brown sugar, (can substitute white)
- ā¢
7 Tablespoons butter, melted
#### Cheesecake
- ā¢
32 oz cream cheese\², softened to room temperature (910g)
- ā¢
1 cup sugar, (200g)
- ā¢
ā
cups sour cream, (160g)
- ā¢
1 \½ teaspoons [vanilla extract](https://sugarspunrun.com/make-your-own-vanilla-extract/)
- ā¢
ā
teaspoon salt
- ā¢
4 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
- Preheat oven to 325F (160C).
- Prepare Graham Cracker crust first by combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and brown sugar, and stirring well. Add melted butter and use a fork to combine ingredients well.
1 \½ cups graham cracker crumbs, 2 Tablespoons sugar, 1 Tablespoon brown sugar, 7 Tablespoons butter
- Pour crumbs into a 9ā Springform pan and press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of your pan. Set aside.
#### Cheesecake
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl (using a hand mixer) add cream cheese and stir until smooth and creamy (donāt over-beat or youāll incorporate too much air).
32 oz cream cheese\²
- Add sugar and stir again until creamy.
1 cup sugar
- Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt, and stir until well-combined. If using a stand mixer, make sure you pause periodically to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula so that all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
ā
cups sour cream, 1 \½ teaspoons vanilla extract, ā
teaspoon salt
- With mixer on low speed, gradually add lightly beaten eggs, one at a time, stirring just until each egg is just incorporated. Once all eggs have been added, use a spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl again and make sure all ingredients are well combined.
4 large eggs
- Pour cheesecake batter into prepared springform pan. To insure against leaks, place pan on a cookie sheet thatās been lined with foil.
- Transfer to the center rack of your oven and bake on 325F (160C) for 50-60 minutes (or longer as needed, see note 3). Edges will likely have *slightly* puffed and may have just begun to turn a *light* golden brown and the center should spring back to the touch but will still be Jello-jiggly. Don't over-bake or the texture will suffer, which means we all suffer.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool on top of the ovenā“ for 10 minutes. Once 10 minutes has passed, use a knife to gently loosen the crust from the inside of the springform pan (this will help prevent cracks as your cheesecake cools and shrinks). Do not remove the ring of the springform pan.
- Allow cheesecake to cool another 1-2 hours or until near room temperature before transferring to refrigerator and allowing to cool overnight or at least 6 hours. I remove the ring of the springform pan just before serving then return it to the pan to store. Enjoy\!
*I have not tested this recipe in a convection oven.*
### 1\) Graham cracker crust
For more details on making this crust or to use whole graham crackers, please see my [Graham Cracker Crust Recipe](https://sugarspunrun.com/graham-cracker-crust-recipe/).
### 2\) Cream cheese
Make sure that you use the brick-style cream cheese, not the spreadable version that is available in tubs.
### 3\)Bake time
Exact bake time can vary depending on your oven, whether you bake your cheesecake on a baking pan or not, the color of your springform pan (light or dark), and even the precise temperature of your ingredients. Because of this I recommend checking your cheesecake at 50 minutes and adding time as needed. However, it is not uncommon for the cheesecake to take as long as 75 minutes to bake, but it's better to check sooner.
### 4\) Cooling cheesecake
I recommend the top of the oven because it is usually the warmest place in my house (after itās been on for over an hour). This will help to cool the cheesecake more gradually and will also help avoid cracks).
Serving: 1slice \| Calories: 500kcal \| Carbohydrates: 32g \| Protein: 8g \| Fat: 36g \| Saturated Fat: 22g \| Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g \| Monounsaturated Fat: 3g \| Cholesterol: 179mg \| Sodium: 450mg \| Potassium: 45mg \| Fiber: 1g \| Sugar: 24g \| Vitamin A: 1200IU \| Calcium: 80mg \| Iron: 0\.9mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this? [Leave a comment](https://sugarspunrun.com/best-cheesecake-recipe/#respond) below\!

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