Description
A creamy, smooth classic vanilla cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a glossy glaze of mixed berries and garnished with fresh herbs for a stunning and flavorful finish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 1/4 cup berry or apricot jam (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp water (for thinning glaze)
- Fresh mint or basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup sugar and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended.
- Mix in sour cream, flour, and salt until smooth.
- Pour filling over crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes or until center is almost set. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool in oven for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, warm jam with 1 tbsp water until pourable. Toss with berries to glaze, then spoon mixture over cheesecake.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or basil just before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
- To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing and cool the cheesecake gradually.
- Cheesecake can be made 1–2 days ahead and topped just before serving.
- Use any seasonal berries available or even stone fruits in the glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 120mg