Full Disclosure: I'm NOT a baker! I blame my impatient nature and my aversion to following recipes. BUT I managed to make this cheesecake and it turned out amazing! I ate more pieces of it late at night than I'd like to admit....LOL.
The Easiest Cheesecake Recipe:
Cheesecake Crust:
1 cup of graham cracker crumbs
2 teaspoons of granulated sugar
4 tablespoons of butter (melted)
Don't over think this part. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, stir with a fork then press into a springform pan. I pressed with my fingers and also used the bottom of a glass to smooth. Press about 3/4 of the way up the side of the springform pan to create a nice crust. Place your crust in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm while you make the cheesecake filling.
Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz. cream cheese (softened)
2 eggs
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
4 tablespoons of flour
4 tablespoons of sour cream
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with a hand mixer for 30 seconds (ish)....basically until smooth. Add sugar and mix until combined. Throw in the eggs and mix again BUT don't over mix it. Add flour, sugar and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Pour the filling into your crust.
Baking Options:
At this point, you can bake your cheesecake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes OR you can bake it in your Instant Pot! Yes, you read that correctly; you can bake a cheesecake in your Instant Pot!
Instant Pot Baking Option:
If you have a 6qt Instant Pot, use a 7' springform pan. If you have an 8qt Instant Pot, the traditional 8'' round springform pan should work great! Be sure to add about a 1/2 cup of water to your Instant Pot before placing your cheesecake inside. Choose the "Bake" setting then the "Cheesecake" setting and set the time for 30 minutes!
Make sure your cheesecake cools completely before chilling it in the refrigerator. I was impatient and only chilled mine for an hour or two, but chilling overnight is best. Once chilled, top with cherry pie filling or fresh fruit of your choice.
ENJOY with friends and family or smuggle pieces into your room to eat in bed late at night!