Perfect Cheesecake

Perfect, pure and simple vanilla cheesecake in a graham cracker crust with a sweetened, vanilla sour cream topping.

Recipe Ingredients:

Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Filling:
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
5 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For Topping:
2 cups sour cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cooking Directions:

1. For Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and sugar and press into the bottom of a spring form pan; set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
3. For Filling: In a separate medium bowl, combine cream cheese with eggs, adding one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add sugar and vanilla; blend well. Pour gently into the prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour; remove from oven.
4. For Topping: Beat together sour cream, sugar and vanilla. Gently spread over hot cheesecake immediately after removing from oven. Return cheesecake to the oven and bake an additional 5 minutes. Cool at room temperature; refrigerate overnight before removing from pan.

Makes 12 servings.