Ingredients
The following ingredients have 4 Servings
- 2 8oz blocks Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature ((use full fat, block style cream cheese))
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream, full fat
- 4 oz Graham Crackers ((see note))
- 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 tsp Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 2 Eggs
- Fresh Berries
- Pie Filling ((cherry is great!))
- Whipped Cream
Instruction
- Important: Set the cream cheese and sour cream out at room temperature for 1 hour before preparing the recipe. Starting with these ingredients at room temperature is the key to a smooth (not lumpy) cheesecake.
- To prepare the slow cooker, place a loaf pan inside the center of the slow cooker and pour water around the pan until it comes up to about 2 inches from the top of the pan. Leave the water in the slow cooker while you prepare the cheesecake.
- Line the loaf pan with parchment paper (this will make it easy to lift the cheesecake out when it’s done cooking).
- Spray the inside of the loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray, making sure to get the ends that are not lined with parchment.
- Break graham crackers into large pieces and place them in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times to break down. Add melted butter and 2 tsp sugar and continue to blend / pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand, scraping down the sides if needed.
- Press the crust mixture into the loaf pan to form the crust.
- Wipe out the bowl of the food processor and return it to the base.
- Combine cream cheese, sour cream, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla in the food processor.
- Blend until everything is evenly combined.
- Scrape down the sides and add eggs. (Do not overmix the eggs; this is another key to a smooth cheesecake.)
- Blend just until the eggs are fully incorporated.
- Pour cheesecake filling over crust.
- Transfer cake to slow cooker.
- Place 2 layers of paper towels over the top of the slow cooker and then place the lid snuggly on top of the paper towels. (Note: The paper towels will absorb moisture and prevent condensation from dripping down onto the top of the cake.)
- Cook on low for 3 hours (or high for 2 hours), until the sides of the cheesecake are light golden brown and the center still looks a tiny bit wobbly.
- Use oven mitts to remove the cheesecake from the slow cooker. Let it cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
- Once it has cooled, gently lift the cheesecake out of the loaf pan (using the parchment) and transfer it to the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 2 days. Top with preferred toppings. Slice and serve.