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The Best Easy Cheesecake Recipe You’ll Ever Make (No Water Bath!)

The Best Easy Cheesecake Recipe You'll Ever Make (No Water Bath!)

This easy cheesecake is a creamy, rich, and perfectly smooth dessert made with a graham cracker crust and simple ingredients. No water bath is needed, no cracks, and it always turns out perfectly. Top it with berries, chocolate, caramel, or whipped cream for a dessert everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 1012 sheets)

  • 4 tbsp granulated sugar

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cheesecake Filling

  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • 3 large eggs, room temperature

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Toppings (Optional)

  • Fresh berries

  • Caramel sauce

  • Chocolate chips

  • Lemon curd

  • Whipped cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Pulse graham cracker sheets in a food processor until fine crumbs form.

  3. Add sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract; pulse until combined.

  4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking dish and slightly up the sides. Set aside.

2. Make the Filling

  1. Beat cream cheese on low speed for 5–10 seconds until smooth.

  2. Gradually add sugar while mixing on low, scraping the bowl as needed. Mix in vanilla.

  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Scrape the bowl and mix until silky and smooth.

3. Bake

  1. Pour cheesecake batter over the crust and spread evenly.

  2. Bake 22–25 minutes, until the center jiggles slightly when moved.

4. Cool

  1. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool slowly for 45–60 minutes.

  2. Cool completely at room temperature.

  3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

5. Serve

  • Slice and serve with your favorite toppings.

  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Room temperature eggs and cream cheese help achieve a smooth filling.

  • Don’t overbake—the center should jiggle slightly for a creamy texture.

  • Refrigerate overnight for cleaner slices and better flavor.

  • Use a hot knife (run under warm water) to slice cleanly.