The Ultimate Cheesecake

Who doesn't love cheesecake? This is an old Tyler Florence recipe and the only cheesecake that I make because it's perfect every time. Use whatever topping you like or leave it plain. I'm giving you my favorite topping Warm Lemon Blueberry.

Don't worry about all the instructions. It's mostly stuff you already know.


The Ultimate Cheesecake
6-8 servings
print recipeCrust:

2 cups finely ground graham crackers (about 30 squares)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 stick unsalted butter, melted

Filling:
1 pound cream cheese, 2 (8-ounce) blocks, softened
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 pint sour cream
1 lemon, zested
1 dash of vanilla extract

Warm Lemon Blueberry Topping,, recipe follows

For the Crust: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

In a mixing bowl, combine the crust ingredients with a fork until evenly moistened. Lightly coat the bottom and sides of an 8-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the crumbs into the pan and, using the bottom of a measuring cup or the smooth bottom of a glass, press the crumbs down into the base and 1-inch up the sides. Refrigerate while preparing filling.

For the filling: In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on low speed for 1 minute until smooth and free of any lumps. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, and continue to beat slowly until combined. Gradually add sugar and beat until creamy, for 1 or 2 minutes. Add sour cream, lemon zest, and vanilla. Periodically scrape down the sides of the bowl and the beaters. The batter should be well mixed but not over-beaten. Pour the filling into the crust-lined pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Set the cheesecake pan on a large piece of aluminum foil and fold up the sides around it. Place the cake pan in a large roasting pan. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until the water is about halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan; the foil will keep the water from seeping into the cheesecake. Bake for 45 minutes. The cheesecake should still jiggle (it will firm up after chilling), so be careful not to overcook. Let cool in pan for 30 minutes. Chill in the refrigerator, loosely covered, for at least 4 hours, longer if possible. Loosen the cheesecake from the sides of the pan by running a thin metal spatula around the inside rim. Unmold and transfer to a cake plate. Using a spatula spread a layer of Warm Lemon Blueberry topping over the surface.

Slice the cheesecake with a thin, non-serrated knife that has been dipped in hot water. Wipe dry after each cut.

Warm Lemon Blueberries
1 pint blueberries, fresh or frozen
1 lemon zested and juice
2 tablespoons sugar

In a small saucepan add all ingredients and simmer on medium heat for 5 minutes or so until fruit begins to break down slightly. Leave to cool before spreading on cheesecake.

Cook's Note
If you will not be serving the entire cheesecake at one meal, simply spoon some of the blueberries on each slice as you serve.