Cheesecake

Oh. My. Goodness. This is seriously the best cheesecake recipe I have ever tried. You can never go wrong with cheesecake, let's be honest! But, I've realized that you can get an even tastier cheesecake based on the recipe you use.
Growing up, my brother Tyler LOVED eating cheesecake. That was always his choice for birthday cake. Then, when I started dating Treyton, I found out he loved cheesecake too! So, I have had good excuses throughout my life to enjoy a nice slice (or whole) cheesecake.

New York Style Cheesecake
recipe adapted from: Zoom Yummy

For the crust:

2 sleeves graham crackers  $1.00

1/3c sugar  $.03

1/2c butter, melted  $.63

For the cheesecake:

4 (8oz) pkg cream cheese, room temperature  $6.00

1c sugar  $.08

3 Tbsp flour  $.02

5 eggs  $.60

1/3c heavy cream $.36

1/3 tsp. lemon juice  $.02

1 tsp vanilla  $.17

For sour cream layer:

1c sour cream  $.50

2 Tbsp sugar  $.01

1/2 tsp vanilla  $.08

Make the crust by combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl. Toss to combine well, then pat into a 9″ springform pan sprayed with nonstick spray. (I find this is easiest using the bottom of a measuring cup). Pat crumbs about 1″ up the sides of the pan. 

To make the cheesecake filling, bean cream cheese with sugar and flour until well combined and creamy. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating to incorporate after each addition. Beat in cream, lemon juice, and vanilla until just combined.

Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust (it will come above the crust on the side, but that's ok). 

Place springform pan on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 250 degrees and continue baking cheesecake 1 1/2 hours or until firm and set.

Remove cheesecake from oven and place on a wire rack to cool a bit while you mix up the sour cream layer. Run a thin knife around the edges of the cheesecake if desired to help loosen.

In a medium bowl, make sour cream layer by stirring together sour cream, sugar, and vanilla. Spread sour cream layer over the cheesecake, covering any cracks or seams that may have appeared. Smooth as best you can, and return to oven for 15 minutes longer.

Allow to cool completely on the counter. Cover pan with plastic wrap or foil and Refrigerate until completely chilled and ready to serve, up to 8-12 hours. Remove spring form edges and slice to serve.

Ideas: Try putting cherry pie filling on top, adding chocolate chips or your favorite candy bar crushed up to the cheesecake, crushing up your favorite cookie (like Oreos) instead of graham crackers. Go crazy. It's cheesecake!

Total Estimated Cost: $9.50
Servings: 16 slices 
Cost Per Serving: $.59