New York Cheesecake

Total Time: 5 hours
Yield: 10 Servings
Source: Real Simple, May 2012
Category: Dessert

Ingredients
18 whole Graham Crackers (2 sleeves)
1⁄2 cup Butter (melted)
1⁄4 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Sugar (plus 4 tablespoons)
24 ounces Cream Cheese (3 bars, room temperature)
2 cups Sour Cream (room temperature)
1 1⁄2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
3 whole Eggs (room temperature)

Directions
  1. Heat oven to 325 degrees. In a food processor pulse the graham crackers until fine crumbs form. Add the butter, salt, and 2 tablespoons of the sugar and pulse to combine. Using a dry measuring cup, press the mixture into the bottom and 2 inches up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
  2. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup of the remaining sugar on medium speed until smooth. Add 1 cup of the sour cream and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla and beat to combine. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time. Pour the mixture into the crust and bake until just set (the center will be slightly wobbly), 50 to 60 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. Spread over the hot cheesecake, then bake until set, 3 to 5 minutes more. Let cool to room temperature in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake before unmolding.