The Best Vanilla Cheesecake

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and lightly grease a 9" Springform pan.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and sugar. Press into the prepared pan and up the sides about 1 inch up the sides. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until firm no longer moist. When done, reduce the oven heat to 275 degrees F.

Step 3

Meanwhile, prepare your filling. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla and salt and beat on low speed until smooth.

Step 4

Add sour cream and beat on low until combined.

Step 5

Pour into crust and smooth the top. Bake at 275 degrees F for about 2 hours or until the outer 2 inches are set but the center is still jiggly.

Step 6

Turn off the oven and let sit in the warm oven for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 minutes before carefully running a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake. Let cool to room temperature before chilling in the fridge completely, then remove from the pan and serve.

Step 7

Baked cheesecakes store perfectly in the fridge for a few days, and the freeze wonderfully as well!