Butter Cheesecake Recipe
A rich and creamy Butter Cheesecake featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling infused with vanilla bean and brown butter for a deep, nutty flavor. Baked to perfection with a silky texture and a slight jiggle in the center, this cheesecake is chilled overnight for a perfectly set dessert.
- Author: Nethan
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup brown butter (unsalted butter melted and browned)
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and salt until evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust layer.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a mixer. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar, mixing well to incorporate fully and create a creamy texture.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and the scraped seeds from the vanilla bean, mixing until combined evenly throughout the batter.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to avoid overmixing and incorporate air gently.
- Mix in Creams: Fold in the sour cream and heavy cream gently until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add Brown Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and cook it until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Let it cool slightly, then drizzle the brown butter into the cheesecake batter, folding gently to combine.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter evenly over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and crack the door open, leaving the cheesecake inside to cool slowly for 1 hour, which helps prevent cracking.
- Final Cooling and Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to fully set before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor; be careful not to burn it.
- Do not overbake; the center should still be slightly jiggly to achieve a creamy texture.
- Slow cooling in the oven helps prevent cracks on the cheesecake surface.
- Chilling overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
- Use a water bath if desired to further reduce cracking, though it is not required.
Keywords: Butter Cheesecake, Cream Cheese Dessert, Graham Cracker Crust, Brown Butter Cheesecake, Vanilla Cheesecake