Old-Fashioned Cheesecake Recipe From Scratch! (2024)

Last Updated on October 6, 2022 by Griselda M.

Are you thinking of making an old-fashioned cheesecake recipe from scratch? Well, guess what? You’re in the right place. We have grandma’s cheesecake recipe, and I’m pretty sure you’ll love it.

Yes, I interviewed the grandmother of one of our chefs, and she didn’t keep any secrets to herself. We know that she was renowned for her baking, and that is why we wanted her to give us her secret recipe she had. In addition, we have brought you the story of how this tradition began.

But before you make this amazing recipe, let us tell you a little bit about her and how she discovered it. And you know what? I felt very honored when she shared her own memories and dishes with me. And this was not the only recipe she shared, but I’ll tell you about it later.

That is to say, learning about the grandmothers’ traditions it’s a beautiful experience, listening to a grandmother will always be comforting. So, if you still have her -or them-, go see her and spend the rest of your day there if possible. Meanwhile, you can cook for her!

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Old-Fashioned Cheesecake Recipe From Scratch

This cheesecake recipe is what I call Old-Fashioned. It has no special ingredients or extra flavors in it, it’s simple, delicious, and with a sour cream topping. It’s pretty easy to make -according to Grandma-.

Therefore, an old-fashioned cheesecake is meant to be a pastry classic. Granma says it is a dessert that has been passed from generation to generation. She also says she found her grandmother’s old cookbook, just above the kitchenette when she was cleaning.

She didn’t like the cover of the cookbook -she admitted-. It was old, dirty, and a little greasy. When she opened the cookbook the pages were intact, a little yellowish by the passage of time, but the writing looked perfect.

Feeling happy, she wanted to prepare those recipes. And one of those was our protagonist… the “Cream Cheesecake Recipe”. In other words, she called it “Grandma’s Cheesecake”.

Old-Fashioned Cheesecake Recipe From Scratch! (1)

A dessert made from scratch…

Any dessert made from scratch it’s always wonderful homemade goodness. We have come with an old-fashioned cheesecake as the protagonist. This masterpiece can be made for any special event, where family and friends gathered together.

Certainly, it’s always nice to look for a pretext to reunite with your family, isn’t it? There is always someone who brings dinner or dessert or prepares it at grandma’s house. And this recipe is one of them.

And without further ae, here is the secret recipe:

Grandma’s Cheesecake Secret Recipe!

Firstly, are you ready for the challenge? This is the list of the equipment and the ingredients you’ll need to make this old-fashioned cheesecake from scratch.

Certainly, it would take you 15 minutes for preparation and a baking time of 60 minutes. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully.

Equipment needed

  • A 13x9x2 heatproof glass pan
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 electric hand mixer
  • 1 small bowl
  • 1 eggbeater or whisk
  • Measuring spoons or cups -optional-
  • 1 rubber spatula
Old-Fashioned Cheesecake Recipe From Scratch! (2)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of crushed graham crackers
  • 3 tbsp of melted butter
  • 3 pieces of cream cheese (8oz each) – at room temperature
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp of vanilla extract

For the topping

  • 24 ounces of sour cream.
  • 6 tbsp of sugar.
  • 1 1/2 tbsp of vanilla extract

Step-by-Step

Step #1:

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step #2:

Mix the graham crumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter.

Step #3:

Pour and press into the glass pan.

Step #4:

Get your large bowl and beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until fluffy.

Step #5:

Add the eggs (one at a time), then add the sugar and vanilla.

Step #6:

Pour the mixture over the crust.

Step #7:

Take it into the oven and bake for 50 minutes.

Step #8:

Remove your cheesecake from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes.

Step #9:

In the meantime, start making your topping.

  1. Mix the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl and whisk.
  2. Once your cheesecake is cool, spread the topping on and return it to the oven for another 10 minutes.
  3. Take it out, let it cool completely, and refrigerate (leave it in the fridge from 3 to 8 hours (overnight).

Read more aboutFix A Soggy Cheesecake Crust

Old-Fashioned Cheesecake Recipe From Scratch! (3)

Grandma was a very nice lady. She even cooked dinner for all of us, for instance. And to sum in, we loved to take care of a delicious tradition! So we ask you to please print this recipe, and show it to your children.

Final Words

Let’s make the traditional recipes of our ancestors continue to live with us. Most importantly, to always remember them, even if they are no longer with us.

In fact, you should ask your grandmother for her cookbook! I’m sure she will share it with you. But if she doesn’t, then make this recipe for her, or whatever recipe she likes.

In conclusion, please let us know in the comments below if you have an alternate way to make this old-fashioned cheesecake recipe, or if you have any other tips or tricks you can share with our cheesecake lovers’ family.

Learn more aboutBaking A Cheesecake Without A Springform Pan

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Old-Fashioned Grandma’s Cheesecake

Made from Scratch!

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time1 hr

Total Time1 hr 15 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Grandma's Cheesecake, Old Fashioned Cheesecake From Scratch, old fashioned cheesecake recipe, old fashioned cream cheese cake, Old-Fashioned, Old-Fashioned Cheesecake

Servings: 16

Author: Cheesecake World

Equipment

  • A 13x9x2 heatproof glass pan

  • 1 large mixing bowl

  • 1 electric hand mixer

  • 1 small bowl

  • 1 eggbeater or whisk

  • Measuring spoons or cups -optional-

  • 1 rubber spatula

Ingredients

  • 2 cups crushed graham crackers
  • 3 tbsp melted butter
  • 3 pieces of cream cheese 8oz each - room temperature.
  • 5 pieces eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract

For the topping

  • 24 oz sour cream
  • 6 tbsp sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Mix the graham crumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter.

  • Pour and press into the glass pan.

  • Get your large bowl and beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until fluffy.

  • Add the eggs (one at a time), then add the sugar and vanilla.

  • Pour the mixture over the crust.

  • Take it into the oven and bake for 50 minutes.

  • Remove your cheesecake from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes.

In the meantime, start making your topping.

  • Mix the sour cream, sugar and vanilla in a bowl and whisk.

  • Once your cheesecake is cool, spread the topping on and return it to the oven for another 10 minutes.

  • Take it out, let it cool completely, and refrigerate (leave it in the fridge from 3 to 8 hours (overnight).

Notes

It's all about simplicity and delicacy.

Old-Fashioned Cheesecake Recipe From Scratch! (5)

Griselda M.

Griselda is an experienced pastry chef and baker with a passion for creating delicious desserts. She has been cooking and baking for over ten years and loves the creative process of creating something special for her friends, family, and customers. Griselda has a special talent for creating beautiful and tasty desserts like cakes, pies, and cookies. She is experienced in a variety of baking techniques and loves to experiment with new flavors and textures. When Griselda isn‘t in the kitchen, she loves to spend time with her friends, family, and her two cats.

Old-Fashioned Cheesecake Recipe From Scratch! (2024)

FAQs

What is classic cheesecake made of? ›

This recipe makes a classic New York-style cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust and rich, dense filling made from cream cheese, eggs, sugar, sour cream, vanilla, a hint of lemon, and a few tablespoons of flour. Cream cheese is the key ingredient, so I recommend using a good brand, like Philadelphia.

What is the difference between New York style and original cheesecake? ›

Regular cheesecake relies on heavy cream and sour cream to thin the batter and create a silkier, creamier texture. New York cheesecake is heavy on the cream cheese which is why it's so dense and rich. Extra cream cheese isn't the only thing that makes New York cheesecake so special.

Is sour cream or whipping cream better for cheesecake? ›

Sour Cream: This gave it more of a tart taste. This could be utilized if you are going to make a flavored cheesecake where a more tart taste would help the other flavors. I think it would work really well with a lemon or lime flavored cheesecake. Heavy Whipping Cream: This gave it more of a milky taste.

What is the oldest cheesecake? ›

Over 4,000 years ago in the fifth century BC, the ancient Greeks on the island of Samos created the earliest known cheesecake. This rudimentary cheesecake was made with patties of fresh cheese that were then pounded smooth with flour and honey.

What is the difference between French and classic cheesecake? ›

A French Style Cheesecake is simple, elegant, and a bit different than the popular one New York Cheesecake. The French one it's creamier and leaves you with a strong vanilla flavor from the first bite.

What is New York cheesecake made of? ›

These are the ingredients you'll need to make this New York-style cheesecake recipe: For the crust: graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. For the filling: sour cream, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, cream cheese, white sugar, milk, eggs, lemon zest, and orange zest.

What's the difference between cheesecake and American cheesecake? ›

A New York Cheesecake is the larger, richer and more indulgent cousin of the traditional cheesecake. We all know how American's like things bigger and better in the USA and cheesecakes are no exception (not that we're complaining).

What is the most common type of cheesecake? ›

Since it's probably the most popular and beloved kind of cheesecake (at least by name), let's start with New York cheesecake. In general, New York cheesecake is ultra-dense and rich, firm yet creamy, and relies on lots of cream cheese for tang and texture, bolstered by heavy cream, eggs, and sugar.

What's the difference between NY cheesecake and Philadelphia cheesecake? ›

When most people refer to Philadelphia-style cheesecake, experts say, they're talking about a version marketed by the cream cheese brand. New York style typically has sour cream or heavy cream in the mix. Philadelphia style doesn't. Which means it doesn't have anything to do with Philadelphia, the city.

What are the two main types of cheesecake? ›

New York cheesecake uses a larger portion of cream cheese. It is rich and dense. Regular cheesecake uses more cream and has a creamier texture. There is typically a crust made of graham crackers, but sometimes other cookies like shortbread are used.

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