Easy Homemade Cheesecake Recipe (Creamy, Smooth & Delicious)

Step 3: Beat the cream cheese

Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium-low speed, beat until smooth and free of lumps.

Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

This step is important because cold or insufficiently softened cream cheese can leave small lumps in the finished cheesecake. Avoid whipping the mixture excessively, as incorporating too much air can contribute to cracks during baking.

Step 4: Add the sugar and flour

Add the granulated sugar and flour to the cream cheese. Beat on low speed until fully incorporated.

Scrape the bowl again to make sure no unmixed cream cheese remains around the edges.

The mixture should look smooth and creamy before you add the remaining ingredients.

Step 5: Mix in the sour cream and vanilla

Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and optional lemon juice.

Mix on low speed until the ingredients are just combined. Avoid beating longer than necessary.

Sour cream gives the cheesecake a slight tang that balances the sweetness and complements the buttery crust.

Step 6: Add the eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just incorporated.

Scrape down the bowl between additions if needed.

Do not overmix at this stage. Excess air can expand in the oven and then collapse as the cheesecake cools, increasing the chance of cracks.

Pour the filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 7: Prepare for baking

Place the springform pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any butter that may leak from the crust.

For an extra-gentle bake, you can use a water bath. Wrap the outside of the springform pan securely in heavy-duty foil, making sure the wrapping reaches above the bottom seam. Set the pan inside a larger roasting pan and carefully add hot water to the roasting pan until it reaches about halfway up the springform pan.

A water bath helps moderate the baking temperature and can reduce cracking. Be careful not to let water enter the cheesecake pan.

If you prefer not to use a water bath, bake the cheesecake directly on the baking sheet and avoid opening the oven unnecessarily.