How to Make Sour Cream Cheesecake: A Creamy Dream in Every Bite

Sour cream cheesecake holds a special place in the world of desserts. It’s creamy, tangy, and incredibly satisfying, making it a beloved classic for a reason. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your baking journey, this recipe will guide you through each step to create a sour cream cheesecake that will impress your family and friends.

The Allure of Sour Cream Cheesecake

The beauty of sour cream cheesecake lies in its simplicity and flavor. Unlike regular cheesecake, the addition of sour cream lends a delightful tanginess that cuts through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced dessert. The result? A creamy, dreamy cheesecake that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) graham cracker crumbs
• 5 tbsp (70g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8oz) packages (680g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream, at room temperature
• 2 tbsp (18g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature

For the Sour Cream Topping:

• 1 ½ cups (360g) sour cream, at room temperature
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Tools of the Trade

• 9-inch springform pan
• Food processor (or a ziplock bag and rolling pin for crushing the graham crackers)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Roasting pan (for the water bath)

Baking the Perfect Sour Cream Cheesecake: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preparing the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In your food processor, pulse the graham crackers until finely ground. If you don’t have a food processor, place the crackers in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
3. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Mix until well combined and the crumbs are evenly moistened.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your springform pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to help create an even layer.
5. Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

2. Creating the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Gently mix in the sour cream, flour, and vanilla extract. Avoid overmixing.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated after each addition. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

3. The Water Bath: Your Secret Weapon for a Crack-Free Cheesecake

1. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan.
2. Fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This water bath will help the cheesecake bake evenly and prevent cracks.

4. Baking and Cooling:

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
2. Carefully transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven.
3. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is just set around the edges and the center is slightly jiggly.
4. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the water bath for an hour with the oven door slightly ajar.

5. The Finishing Touch: Sour Cream Topping

1. While the cheesecake cools, prepare the topping. Whisk together the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
2. After the cheesecake has cooled in the oven for an hour, gently spread the sour cream topping evenly over the top.
3. Return the cheesecake (still in the water bath) to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

6. Chilling for Ultimate Flavor

1. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to fully set and the flavors to meld.

Serving and Enjoying Your Masterpiece

Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan before serving. Slice your sour cream cheesecake and indulge in the creamy, tangy goodness.

Slice of sour cream cheesecake on a plate

Tips for Cheesecake Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially the cream cheese and eggs, is crucial for a smooth and lump-free cheesecake filling.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter, especially after adding the eggs, can incorporate too much air and lead to cracks in the cheesecake.
• Water Bath Magic: The water bath is your secret weapon for a perfectly baked cheesecake. It ensures even cooking and helps to prevent the cheesecake from drying out or cracking.
• Patience is Key: Allow ample chilling time for your cheesecake. Chilling not only allows it to set properly but also gives the flavors time to develop fully.

FAQs: Answering Your Sour Cream Cheesecake Queries

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, keep in mind that it might slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cheesecake. Full-fat cream cheese will yield the richest and creamiest results.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Sour cream cheesecake is a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake it a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated.

Sour cream cheesecake baking in the oven

Exploring More Cheesecake Delights

If you’re a cheesecake enthusiast, don’t miss out on our other tantalizing cheesecake recipes:

• How to Make Chocolate Sour Cream Cake: Indulge in the perfect blend of rich chocolate and tangy sour cream in this moist and delicious cake.
• How to Make Triple Chocolate Cheesecake: For the ultimate chocolate lover, this cheesecake is a decadent treat with layers of chocolate goodness.
• How to Make Dulce de Leche Cheesecake: Experience the rich and caramel-y flavors of dulce de leche in this irresistible cheesecake variation.

This sour cream cheesecake recipe is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients can create extraordinary desserts. With its creamy texture and tangy sweetness, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a delightful baking journey!