Vanilla Cheesecake
- 4 tbsp butter, plus more for the pan
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1 cup plus 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 lb (675g) cream cheese (not reduced fat) at room temperature
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- One 16 oz container sour cream
- Kiwi fruit, thinly sliced, to garnish
- 9 in (23cm) springform pan
- Preheat the oven to 350F (180C).
- Lightly butter the bottom and side of a 9in (23cm) springform pan.
- To make the crust, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the graham cracker crumbs and 1 tbsp sugar and mix well.
- Press the crumbs into the bottom and 1in (5cm) up the sides of the springform pan.
- Combine the cream cheese, egg yolks, 3/4 cup of the sugar, and the vanilla in a bowl and mix with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, using clean beaters, beat the egg whites until stiff.
- Fold the egg whites into the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour into the pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the sides have risen and are beginning to brown.
- Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, increase the oven temperature to 400F (200C).
- Whisk the sour cream and remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl.
- Pour over the cheesecake and smooth the top.
- Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake for 10 minutes more, until the topping looks set around the edges.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
- Remove the sides of the pan, garnish with the kiwi fruit, and serve chilled, cutting the cheesecake with a wet knife.
butter, graham crackers, sugar, cream cheese, eggs, vanilla, sour cream, fruit, springform pan
Taken from www.cookstr.com/recipes/vanilla-cheesecake (may not work)