CLASSIC CREAMY CHEESECAKE

By JoyceW-2

Cookie crumb crust, fresh fruit topping.

HINTS:

Let the cream cheese soften on the counter for 2 hours, or unwrap and microwave in package for 15 seconds.

Don't overbake, the cheesecake will firm up as it cools.

Top the cheesecake with your favorite fruits, grapes, kiwi, apples, pears, strawberries, cherries, peaches.

Ingredients

• CRUMB CRUST:
• 11 whole graham crackers (22 squares)
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• FILLING:
• 5 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/3 cups sugar
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• TOPPING:
• 2 pints strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup raspberries
• or
• any other type of desired fruit

Details

Servings 16
Preparation time 25mins
Cooking time 100mins

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325° F.

Use a food processor to crush the crackers into crumbs, or crush by hand. Add the butter and sugar. Process to mix.

Press into the base of a 9 inch springform pan.

Chill.

For the filling, place the cream cheese in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer set on medium-high speed for 2 minutes. Blend in the sugar. Add the flour and beat until combined. On low speed, beat in the eggs, one at a time, just until blended, scraping the side of the bowl often. Add the sour cream, lemon peel and vanilla. Beat just until blended. Pour the filling over the crust in the pan.

Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour 15 minutes. Turn off oven and keep the oven door ajar. Let the cheesecake sit in the oven for 1 hour. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Run a knife around sides. Cover. Chill for 6 hours or overnight.

When ready to seve, remove the pan sides. Slide the cheesecake onto a serving plate. For the topping, overlap the strawberries in circles on the cheesecake. Fill the center with raspberries.