by Darcia Helle

Created on: April 02, 2009

My grandmother used to make me this cheesecake when I was young. I have always loved cheesecake and my grandmother was always cooking. She tried several different cheesecake recipes but this one remained my favorite.

When I moved out on my own, my grandmother passed this recipe on to me. It quickly became my older son's request each year for his birthday cake. Throughout the years, I have tried variations of this recipe as well as other recipes for cheesecake. But this one remains everyone's favorite. It's also the most requested item for parties.

I don't know where the recipe originated but it's been with my family for decades. It's thick and rich and oh so yummy! But, beware, it's also addictive!

Nana's Cheesecake

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 Cup graham cracker crumbs
3 TBSP sugar
3 TBSP butter, melted

Mix all ingredients together. Press into bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 325 for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Raise oven temperature to 450.

Cake:

4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1 Cup sugar
3 TBSP flour
4 eggs
1 Cup sour cream
1 TBSP pure vanilla

Combine cream cheese, sugar, and flour in a mixing bowl. Mix with electric beater on medium until well blended. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Blend in sour cream and vanilla. Pour the batter over the graham cracker crust. Bake at 450 for 10 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 250 and continue baking for one hour.

Cake will be wobbly at first, so cool before loosening the pan. Chill before serving.

For topping, you can use canned pie filling, frozen (thawed) fruit with a little sugar added or whatever you are in the mood for. The cheesecake is also delicious plain!

* I use organic, unprocessed sugar. It's better for you, because it contains more of the sugar cane's natural nutrients. I feel it also tastes better and I notice a slight difference in taste if I use regular processed sugar. (Although, either way, I still can't stop myself from over-indulging when it's in the house!)

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