Grandma's Simple Basic Cheesecake Recipe

This simple basic cheesecake recipe has been cherished in my family for decades, delivering that classic, creamy texture everyone loves. With its buttery graham crumb crust, velvety smooth cream cheese filling, and delightfully tangy sour cream topping, this old fashioned dessert proves that the best recipes are often the most straightforward.

Whether you're new to baking cheesecakes or simply appreciate time-tested recipes that never fail to impress, this easy-to-follow version will become your go-to favorite, especially when crowned with your choice of fresh fruits or colorful pie filling.

Simple Basic Cheesecake Recipe: Old Fashioned 3-Layer Comfort Dessert

Mom's Recipe Scrapbooks (c. 1920s)

No Bake Graham Crust:

3 tablespoons butter, melted
3/4 cup Graham crumbs
1 tablespoon sugar

To make this old fashioned cheesecake recipe, combine all ingredients as listed above. Press into bottom of greased 9-inch spring-form pan. Chill for 10 minutes.

Cream Cheese Filling:

1 pound cream cheese, softened
3 eggs
2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup sour cream

Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat cheese until light and fluffy. Add eggs, sugar, and lemon juice. Beat until smooth. Stir in sour cream.

Pour batter on top of chilled crust. Bake 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F or until cheesecake is puffed and trembles slightly when shaken. Remove from oven to add Sweet Topping and then return to oven for 5 minutes. Remove and cool to room temperature.

Refrigerate overnight and top with either fresh fruit or a favorite pie filling before serving. Cherry, blueberry, peach, strawberry, or almost any pie filling complements this basic cheesecake. Simply choose your favorite!

Sweet Topping

1 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice

For the topping, combine all ingredients as listed above. Spread carefully  and evenly over cheesecake.