🍰 Double Crust Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 3 cups (300 g) graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz / 225 g) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (helps set the filling)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, adds brightness)
Optional Topping:
- Fresh berries or fruit compote
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
- Preheat to 325°F (160°C).
- Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
- Mix until evenly moistened and crumbly.
- Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan — this is the bottom crust.
- Set aside the remaining half for the top crust later.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Add sugar and beat until well combined.
- Mix in eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Blend in vanilla, sour cream, flour, and lemon juice until smooth and uniform.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the bottom crust in the pan.
- Gently sprinkle the remaining graham cracker mixture evenly over the top of the filling.
- Lightly press it down with a spoon (don’t compact it too much).
5. Bake
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
6. Chill
- Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing.
- The longer it chills, the better the flavor and texture!
7. Serve
- Run a knife around the edges before releasing the springform pan.
- Slice and serve as-is or top with berries, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.
Tips
- For a crunchier top crust, bake it separately on a sheet pan for 8 minutes, then sprinkle over the cheesecake just before serving.
- Make sure all ingredients (especially cream cheese and eggs) are room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze slices for up to 2 months.