Luscious Cream Cheesecake

Luscious Cream Cheesecake is a silky, rich dessert with a smooth, creamy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust—perfectly chilled and ready to steal the spotlight at any summer gathering. It’s light yet decadent, simple to prepare, and incredibly satisfying, making it my go-to dessert when I want something refreshing and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this cheesecake because it delivers that classic creamy texture and tangy-sweet flavor with minimal fuss. It’s cool, smooth, and feels like the perfect finish to a hot summer day. I can dress it up with fresh berries, citrus zest, or a drizzle of fruit sauce, but it’s also flawless just as it is. Plus, it keeps beautifully in the fridge, which makes it easy to prepare ahead of time for parties and get-togethers.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

Graham cracker crumbs
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

Cream cheese, softened
Granulated sugar
Sour cream or heavy cream
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Optional toppings:

Fresh berries
Fruit compote
Whipped cream
Lemon zest or chocolate shavings

directions

I preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
In a bowl, I mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined, then press the mixture into the bottom of the pan to form a firm crust.
I bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool while I prepare the filling.
In a large mixing bowl, I beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
I add the sugar and mix until fully incorporated, then beat in the eggs one at a time.
I stir in the sour cream (or heavy cream), vanilla extract, and lemon juice if using, mixing until the batter is silky and lump-free.
I pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.
I bake the cheesecake for 50–60 minutes, until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
I turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool gradually for about an hour.
Once cooled, I refrigerate it for at least 4 hours—or overnight—for the best texture and flavor.

Servings and timing

This cheesecake serves 10–12 slices. It takes about 20 minutes to prep, 1 hour to bake, and 4–6 hours to chill, so I usually make it a day in advance to give it plenty of time to set.

Variations

Sometimes I stir in a swirl of fruit puree (like raspberry or mango) before baking for a fruity twist. I’ve also used chocolate or gingersnap crumbs for the crust instead of graham crackers. When I want something more indulgent, I add a chocolate ganache or caramel drizzle on top after chilling.

storage/reheating

I store this cheesecake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s best served cold, straight from the fridge. I also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. No reheating is needed.

Luscious Cream Cheesecake

FAQs

Do I need a water bath?

I usually skip the water bath with this recipe, but if I want to avoid any chance of cracks, I bake it in a water bath for extra insurance.

Can I make this without a springform pan?

A springform pan works best for easy removal, but I’ve used a deep pie dish in a pinch and served it directly from the dish.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done?

I check that the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble—it’ll firm up fully as it cools.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

I prefer full-fat for the best texture, but low-fat works if I want a slightly lighter version. I avoid fat-free—it doesn’t set as well.

Can I make it without eggs?

Yes, for an eggless version, I use cornstarch or a bit of flour to help set the batter, and I skip baking entirely for a no-bake cheesecake.

Conclusion

Luscious Cream Cheesecake is the ultimate summer dessert—cool, creamy, and effortlessly elegant. Whether I top it with seasonal fruit, enjoy it plain, or add a flavorful twist, it’s always a hit and the perfect way to end a warm day on a sweet note.