This vanilla bean cheesecake is a decadent dessert that will tantalize your taste buds with its creamy texture and luscious vanilla flavor. The combination of smooth cream cheese, fresh vanilla beans, and a buttery graham cracker crust creates a truly indulgent treat that is perfect for any special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in scraped vanilla bean seeds and vanilla extract.
- Pour cream cheese mixture over crust. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes.
- Spread sour cream over cheesecake. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Cool on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Interesting Facts
Vanilla beans are one of the most expensive spices in the world due to the labor-intensive process of hand-pollinating and harvesting them.
Cheesecake is believed to have originated in ancient Greece and was served to athletes at the first Olympic games as a source of energy.