Elegant French-Style Cheesecake
An elegant French-inspired cheesecake featuring a creamy filling, buttery crust, and a topping of fresh berries and powdered sugar. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dessert moment!
Ingredients
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs or crushed butter cookies for crust
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, for crust
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for crust
- 24 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar for filling
- 1 cup crème fraîche or sour cream for filling
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 zest of lemon optional, for extra freshness
- fresh berries blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, for topping
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes until set, then allow to cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Blend in crème fraîche, vanilla extract, and lemon zest if using.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until incorporated after each addition.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, top the cheesecake with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
For the best texture, avoid overbeating the batter once the eggs are added. You can substitute Greek yogurt for crème fraîche if needed. Always chill the cheesecake thoroughly before slicing for clean cuts.