Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake Recipe at Home

If youโ€™ve ever been to The Cheesecake Factory, you know their Original Cheesecake is a slice of heaven. I remember the first time my son, Jake, tried it; his eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. Now, you can create this delightful Cheesecake Factory cheesecake recipe right in your kitchen.

Why Youโ€™ll Love It

  • It’s creamy and rich, just like the restaurant version.
  • You can customize it with your favorite toppings.
  • It’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

Pure Comfort

This cheesecake is pure comfort food. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it a favorite for everyone at the table. Plus, itโ€™s a great way to impress your friends and family without needing to be a pro baker.

What You Need

  • 1 ยฝ cups 1 ยฝ cups graham cracker crumbs – You can use store-bought or crush your own.
  • ยฝ cup ยฝ cup unsalted butter, melted – Substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 cups 2 cups cream cheese, softened – Full-fat cream cheese works best for creaminess.
  • 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar – You can use a sugar substitute if desired.
  • 3 large 3 large eggs – Make sure they are at room temperature.
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract – Use pure vanilla for the best flavor.
  • 1 cup 1 cup sour cream – Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.
  • ยผ cup ยผ cup all-purpose flour – This helps to stabilize the cheesecake.

Time to Cook

Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 1 hour | Total: 1 hour 20 minutes | Difficulty: Medium | Make-Ahead: Yes, it can be made a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

  1. Preheat your oven to 325ยฐF. This ensures your cheesecake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly creamy. A hot oven is key to a great start.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. You want to avoid lumps for a silky texture. This usually takes about 3 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The batter should be smooth and fluffy. Donโ€™t overmix, as this can add too much air and cause cracks.
  5. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour until just combined. The mixture should be thick and creamy. This is where the magic happens, so donโ€™t rush it.
  6. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. It should look even and inviting, ready to bake.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour. The edges should be set, but the center will still be slightly jiggly. This is normal and ensures a creamy texture.
  8. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking as it cools down slowly. Patience pays off here.
  9. Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Make It Perfect

  • For a smoother cheesecake, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
  • Use a water bath during baking for an even creamier texture.
  • Let the cheesecake cool gradually to avoid cracks.

Mix It Up

  • Add a fruit topping like strawberries or blueberries for a fresh twist.
  • Swirl in some chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
  • Try a chocolate crust instead of graham crackers for a different flavor.

Perfect Partners

  • Serve with whipped cream for a light touch.
  • Pair with a fruit compote for added sweetness.
  • Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful contrast.

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FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze the cheesecake?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a similar tang.

How can I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Bake it in a water bath and avoid overmixing the batter.

Conclusion

Now you can impress your family and friends with this Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake Recipe at Home. It's creamy, delicious, and sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy every bite!

creamy cheesecake slice with graham cracker crust on gray background

Original Cheesecake Recipe at Home

A creamy and rich cheesecake recipe inspired by the Original Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory. This dessert features a graham cracker crust and smooth cream cheese filling, perfect for family gatherings and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 1 minute
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Springform pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 ยฝ cups graham cracker crumbs store-bought or crushed
  • ยฝ cup unsalted butter melted, can substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free
  • 2 cups cream cheese softened, full-fat recommended
  • 1 cup granulated sugar sugar substitute optional
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract pure vanilla preferred
  • 1 cup sour cream can substitute Greek yogurt
  • ยผ cup all-purpose flour helps stabilize cheesecake

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 325ยฐF.
  • Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined and resembling wet sand.
  • Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
  • Beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition without overmixing.
  • Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour until just combined.
  • Pour cheesecake filling over crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  • Bake for about 1 hour until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly.
  • Turn off oven and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
  • Refrigerate cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Keyword bake, cheesecake, cream cheese, Creamy, dessert, Graham cracker crust