Description
This Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Cheesecake offers a rich and creamy dessert experience with a delightful twist of nutty browned butter and fragrant vanilla bean paste. The graham cracker crust provides a classic base, while the velvety filling is perfectly baked to achieve a smooth, luscious texture. Ideal for special occasions or indulgent treats, this cheesecake combines elegance with comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, browned
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake.
- Prepare the pan: Grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly to prevent the cheesecake from sticking.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan to form the crust.
- Chill crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill and set while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
- Beat cream cheese: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Add dry ingredients and flavoring: Incorporate 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, and 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste into the cream cheese mixture, blending well.
- Add eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each to maintain a smooth texture and prevent incorporation of too much air.
- Add sour cream and browned butter: Stir in the sour cream and 1/4 cup browned butter until fully combined, enhancing the flavor and richness.
- Pour and bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust in the springform pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes until the edges are set but the center still has slight movement.
- Cool gradually: Turn off the oven, open the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool slowly inside for about an hour to prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least four hours, preferably overnight, to set completely before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Brown the butter by melting it in a pan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and fragrant, then cool slightly before incorporating.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the eggs are added to avoid cracking of the cheesecake.
- Chilling the crust before adding the filling prevents it from becoming soggy during baking.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually to minimize cracking on the surface.
- For best results, refrigerate overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
