Saks' Signature Cheesecake

Ingredients

For the crust:

• ⅔ cup graham crackers (one package)
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• Spray shortening for greasing pan

For the filling:

• 2 pounds cream cheese
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cups sugar
• 1 pound sour cream
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 eggs

• Nutritional Information

  • Nutritional analysis per serving (10 servings)

    706 calories; 58 grams fat; 33 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 15 grams monounsaturated fat; 3 grams polyunsaturated fat; 38 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 32 grams sugars; 10 grams protein; 257 milligrams cholesterol; 418 milligrams sodium

  Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.
  Powered by DiningAndCooking.com

Ten servings

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Coarsely chop the graham crackers, place in a food processor and grind completely. Add the brown sugar and melted butter. Spray a springform pan 10 inches in diameter with shortening. Press the crumb crust into the pan, distributing it evenly. Chill crust while making the filling.
2. For the filling, coarsely chop the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl. Using a mixer, soften the two. Continue beating while adding the sugar. In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, cornstarch, lemon and vanilla extracts and eggs. Add this mixture to the cream-cheese mixture and combine until completely smooth.
3. Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish and fill the dish with hot water to reach halfway up the sides of the pan. Pour the mixture into the pan and bake for 35 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 300 degrees and continue baking for 35 more minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cheesecake is clean. Refrigerate overnight. Remove from the pan and serve.