This baked cheesecake is a rich and creamy dessert that is perfect for gatherings or special occasions. Made with cream cheese, sugar, and a buttery crust, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and texture.
The recipe is designed for a 9×13 inch pan, making it easy to serve a crowd. You can customize it with toppings like fruit, chocolate, or caramel to enhance the flavor.
Creating the Perfect Cheesecake
Crafting a baked cheesecake in a 9×13 pan is a delightful experience that brings together simple ingredients to create a rich dessert.
The combination of cream cheese, sugar, and a buttery graham cracker crust results in a treat that is both creamy and satisfying.
This cheesecake is perfect for gatherings, offering generous servings that can easily please a crowd.
Ingredients for Success
The foundation of a great cheesecake lies in its ingredients.
For this recipe, you’ll need graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter, and sugar to create the crust.
The filling consists of softened cream cheese, additional sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, sour cream, and a touch of flour to bind everything together.
Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that smooth texture and rich flavor that cheesecake lovers adore.
Choosing high-quality cream cheese and fresh eggs can significantly enhance the final product.
Preparation Steps
Preparation begins with creating the crust.
Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, then press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your greased 9×13 pan.
This step is crucial, as a well-formed crust provides a sturdy base for the creamy filling.
Next, the filling is made by beating the softened cream cheese until smooth, followed by the gradual addition of sugar and vanilla.
Incorporating the eggs one at a time ensures a light and airy texture.
Finally, mixing in sour cream and flour completes the filling, making it ready for baking.
Baking to Perfection
Once the filling is prepared, pour it over the crust in the pan.
Baking at 325°F (160°C) for 50-60 minutes allows the cheesecake to set while retaining a slight jiggle in the center.
This is a key indicator that the cheesecake is done, as overbaking can lead to cracks and a dry texture.
After baking, let the cheesecake cool at room temperature for about an hour before refrigerating it for at least four hours or overnight.
This chilling period is essential for the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
Serving Suggestions
When ready to serve, cut the cheesecake into neat squares for an appealing presentation.
Garnishing with fresh berries and a drizzle of chocolate sauce adds a pop of color and flavor, making each piece even more enticing.
The contrast between the creamy cheesecake and the tartness of the berries creates a delightful balance.
This dessert is not only visually appealing but also versatile.
Feel free to experiment with different toppings such as caramel sauce, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of nuts for added texture.
Enjoying Your Cheesecake
This baked cheesecake is a classic dessert that is sure to impress at any gathering.
With its smooth, creamy surface and golden-brown crust, it offers a comforting taste that resonates with many.
Whether served at a birthday party, holiday celebration, or a simple family dinner, this cheesecake is bound to be a hit.
With each bite, enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures that make this dessert a beloved choice.
Share it with friends and family, and watch as they savor every delicious square!
Easy Baked Cheesecake in a 9×13 Pan
This cheesecake features a smooth filling baked to perfection in a graham cracker crust. The recipe takes about 1 hour to prepare and bake, plus chilling time, and serves approximately 12-15 people.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Finally, mix in sour cream and flour until smooth.
- Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled. Top with your choice of fruit, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Servings: 12-15 slices
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 28g