🧀 Classic Tall & Fluffy Baked Cheesecake

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This is a rich, creamy, bakery-style cheesecake that rises beautifully in the oven and forms that signature golden top with slight cracks—just like in your picture. The secret is slow baking, gentle cooling, and the right batter texture.

📝 Ingredients

For the Crust (Optional but recommended)

  • 2 cups digestive biscuits or graham crackers (crushed)
  • ½ cup (115g) melted butter
  • 2 tbsp sugar (optional)

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 900g (2 lbs) cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1 cup (200g) sugar
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup (240ml) sour cream (or yogurt)
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (helps stability)
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt

🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan

  • Use a springform pan (8–9 inch)
  • Wrap the bottom with foil (important if using water bath)
  • Grease lightly

2. Make the Crust

  1. Mix crushed biscuits + melted butter + sugar
  2. Press firmly into the base
  3. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes
  4. Let cool

(You can skip crust if you want a pure cheesecake like in the image)

3. Prepare the Batter

  1. Beat cream cheese until smooth (no lumps!)
  2. Add sugar and mix gently
  3. Add eggs one at a time (don’t overmix)
  4. Add sour cream, vanilla, salt
  5. Mix in cornstarch + cream

👉 Batter should be smooth, thick, and silky

4. Bake (Very Important Step!)

Option 1: Water Bath (Best for no cracks)

  • Place pan in a larger tray with hot water
  • Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 60–75 minutes

Option 2: No Water Bath (like your image)

  • Bake at 170°C (338°F)
  • Place a tray of water in the oven for moisture
  • Bake 50–65 minutes

👉 Center should still jiggle slightly!

5. Cooling (SECRET TO PERFECT TEXTURE)

  • Turn oven OFF
  • Leave cheesecake inside with door slightly open for 1 hour
  • Then remove and cool at room temp
  • Refrigerate at least 6 hours (overnight best)

🔥 Pro Tips (For That Tall Bakery Look)

  • Don’t overmix → prevents sinking
  • Use room temp ingredients → smooth batter
  • Slow cooling → prevents cracks
  • Slight cracks = normal & authentic look
  • Use deep pan → helps height like in photo

🍓 Optional Toppings

  • Fresh berries 🍓
  • Chocolate ganache 🍫
  • Caramel drizzle 🍯
  • Whipped cream

💡 Why It Rises Like in the Picture

  • Eggs create structure
  • Steam helps lift
  • Slow cooling prevents collapse

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