Our Best Cheesecake

By Addie

Better than all the rest. What else can we say? How about this: It's a rich, creamy, cherry-topped showstopper that's so easy, even beginners can pull it off.

Ingredients

• 1-3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cups butter, melted
• 1-1/4 cups sugar, divided
• 3 pkgs (8-oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can pie filling (your choice)

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 350°F if using a silver 8-inch or 9-inch springform pan (or to 325°F if using a dark nonstick 8- or 9-inch springform pan). Mix graham cracker crumbs, margarine and 1/4 cup of the sugar. Press firmly onto bottom and 2-1/2 inches up side of pan; set aside.

2. BEAT cream cheese and the remaining 1 cup sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add sour cream and vanilla; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended. Pour into crust.

3. BAKE 1 hour to 1 hour 10 min. or until center is almost set. Turn oven off. Open oven door slightly. Let cheesecake set in oven 1 hour. Remove cheesecake from oven; cool completely. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. Loosen cheesecake from rim of pan; remove rim. Top cheesecake with pie filling just before serving. Store leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.