Anniversary Cheesecake Recipe

  • 12

Ingredients

  • FILLING:
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 4 packages (8 ounces each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese (softened or cubed), softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
  • Red, yellow and green food coloring, optional
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel

Preparation

Step 1

Directions

Combine the first three ingredients; press into the bottom of 9-in. springform pan. Bake at 325° for 6 minutes. Cool. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, vanilla and lemon juice until smooth. Add to cream cheese mixture. Fold in sour cream. To make decorations if desired: Take 3 tablespoons filling and place 1 tablespoon each into three small bowls; using food coloring, tint filling in one bowl pink, one yellow and one green. Add lemon peel to remaining filling; pour into crust. Using a small spoon or a pastry bag, use colored filling to draw decorations on top of cheesecake (a toothpick will help define shapes). Bake at 325° for 45-50 minutes or until center still jiggles. Do not overbake. The center should not be completely set when removed from oven. Cool thoroughly on a wire rack. Chill overnight. Yield: 12-16 servings.