Let's Make Cheesecake

This year for Eric's birthday he chose my cheesecake over a store-bought cake.  I was thrilled to whip one up for him!  In all the birthday dinner preparations, I didn't get a lot of great pictures of the cheesecake.  But I decided it tasted so good, that sharing the recipe without perfect pictures was the best thing to do.  

This recipe has three parts:  crust, filling, and topping.  DISCLAIMER:  This cheesecake needs to sit in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, so plan ahead!  Let's start with the crust.  

Here's What You Need

1-1/2 cups crushed graham crackers

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup melted butter

Here's What You Do

Combine the crushed graham crackers and sugar.  Pour in the melted butter and stir up.  Press into an 8" springform pan.

Preheat the over to 350 degrees.

Next, mix up the filling.  

Here's What You Need

3 8oz. packages cream cheese, softened

4 eggs

1 cup sugar

8 Tablespoons milk

Here's What You Do

Mix together the sugar and eggs.  In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese and milk.  Combine the two and beat until smooth.

Pour the mixture on top of the crust and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and fifteen minutes.  About 45 minutes into the baking, make the topping.

Here's What You Need

1 pint sour cream

3/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Here's What You Do

Combine three ingredients and mix with a mixer until well blended.

When the cheesecake is done, remove it from the oven.  Cool for 5 minutes.  Turn the oven down to 300 degrees.  Pour the topping on the cheesecake and return to oven for 5 minutes.  

Remove and immediately store in the refrigerator overnight.  When you're ready to serve, run a knife around the edge and release the springform pan side.  Slice and serve!

If you would like a printable version, click HERE.  This recipe has really become a family favorite.  Hope your family loves it too!