World's Best Cheesecake

Crust

• 3 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling

• 4 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened

• 1 1/4 cups sugar

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 5 large eggs

Topping

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 2 teaspoons sugar

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 475°F. Place a large pan filled with 1/2 inch water in oven.

Step 2

Make crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs and cinnamon; add butter. Press crust onto bottom and 2/3 of the way up a 9-inch springform pan lined with a circle of parchment. Wrap a large piece of foil around bottom of pan. Place in freezer until filling is prepared.

Step 3

Make filling: Use an electric mixer to mix cream cheese, sugar, sour cream and vanilla. Blend until smooth and creamy. Scrape down sides of bowl. Whisk eggs in a bowl; add to cream cheese mixture. Blend just until eggs are incorporated.

Step 4

Remove crust from freezer and pour in filling. Carefully place cheesecake into preheated water bath. Bake for 12 minutes; turn oven to 350°F and bake until top of cheesecake turns golden, 50 to 60 minutes. Remove cake to a wire rack to cool.

Step 5

Make topping: Combine sour cream and sugar; spread over cake. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours.