Ingredients for Ultimate Cheesecake
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for crust) + 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (for filling) + ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- Butter
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs + 2 large egg whites (for topping)
- 1 cup sour cream + ½ cup sour cream (for topping)
- Lemons, Zest Of
- Vanilla Extract
- Egg White
- Raspberry Preserves
- Apricot Preserves
- Fresh Fruit
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How to Make Ultimate Cheesecake
- **Crust:** Combine 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter in a medium bowl.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- **Filling:** Beat 3 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese with an electric mixer for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, then add ¼ cup all-purpose flour and mix until well combined.
- Beat in 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in 1 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Pour the filling into the chilled crust.
- **Bake:** Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Pour enough boiling water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan (this creates a water bath for even baking).
- Bake for 75 minutes.
- **Topping:** In a separate bowl, beat 2 large egg whites with ¼ cup granulated sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Gently fold in ½ cup sour cream.
- Spread the meringue topping evenly over the cheesecake.
- Continue baking for 20 minutes.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar for another hour.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- **Finishing Touch:** Microwave your favorite jam for 45 seconds until thin and spreadable. Spoon the jam onto the cheesecake, spreading it with the back of a spoon.
- Arrange fresh fruit on top.
- Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
217 g
Sugar
2143g
Fat
1407g
Carbs
229g
