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Directions
1. Prepare the Loaf Pan and Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to make the cheesecake easier to remove later.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture is well combined and the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan, creating an even crust layer. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s golden and slightly crisp. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps for a silky-smooth texture.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream (if using). If you’d like your cheesecake to be a bit firmer, add a tablespoon of flour to help with the consistency, though this step is optional.
Once everything is well combined, pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled graham cracker crust in the loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
3. Bake the Cheesecake
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The cheesecake should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. You can test it by gently shaking the pan—if the center moves but the edges are firm, it’s done.
If you notice the top of the cheesecake starting to brown too much during baking, you can tent it with a piece of aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
4. Cool and Chill
Once the cheesecake is done, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for about 1 hour with the door slightly ajar. This helps the cheesecake set properly and prevents cracking. After that, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
Once cooled, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling the cheesecake allows it to fully set and develop its rich, creamy texture.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, remove the cheesecake from the loaf pan. If you lined the pan with parchment paper, simply lift the cheesecake out. Slice it into thick, creamy pieces and serve! You can top it with your favorite fruit, chocolate ganache, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flair.
Tips for the Perfect Basic Loaf Pan Cheesecake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother, creamier batter without lumps.
- Avoid Overmixing: When adding the eggs to the batter, mix just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the batter, which may lead to cracks in the cheesecake.
- Prevent Cracking: Cheesecake can sometimes develop cracks on top as it cools. To reduce the chances of cracking, avoid opening the oven door during baking, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually inside the oven before refrigerating.
- Add Toppings: While this cheesecake is delicious on its own, you can add fresh berries, a fruit compote, or even a dusting of powdered sugar before serving to elevate the flavor and presentation.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to get creative with flavor variations. Add a bit of lemon zest or cinnamon to the batter, or use flavored extracts like almond or coconut to give the cheesecake a unique twist.
Why You’ll Love Basic Loaf Pan Cheesecake
This Basic Loaf Pan Cheesecake recipe is ideal for those who want to enjoy cheesecake without the complexity of a traditional full-sized version. The loaf pan allows for a more manageable size, making it perfect for small gatherings, potlucks, or just a weeknight dessert.
With minimal ingredients and steps, this cheesecake offers a simple way to indulge in a homemade dessert. It’s creamy, tangy, and sweet—everything you love about cheesecake in an easy-to-make format. Plus, the graham cracker crust adds the perfect crunch to balance out the smooth, rich filling.
Whether you’re a cheesecake connoisseur or a novice baker, this recipe is sure to impress!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a decadent yet easy-to-make dessert, this Basic Loaf Pan Cheesecake is the answer. It’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction with minimal effort. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, and even more, you’ll enjoy how delicious it tastes. Perfect for any occasion or a simple indulgence after dinner, this cheesecake is bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Happy baking, and enjoy the sweet, creamy goodness of your homemade cheesecake!
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