Classic Cheesecake

When there's a special day like Valentine's Day, you always need a yummy, homemade dessert. For our family's fun-filled day, I made just a classic cheesecake. I looked up Philadelphia Cream Cheese (because that's the best) and found this simple recipe.

Mix 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 3 Tbsp. sugar, and 1/3 cup melted butter. Down the baking aisle at your grocery store, you'll find containers of already crushed graham cracker crumbs. I used that instead of spending the time crushing whole graham crackers and hoping I have the correct amount of crumbs. A container of crumbs is so much easier. Unless you have some pent up aggression to get out, then go ahead and crush away.

Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Honestly, this is the first time I've ever used a springform pan. I've always been afraid that I wouldn't do it right and my cheesecake would fall apart. However, it was so much easier than I thought!!! Now I can't wait to use it again.

Beat 4 packages of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar and 1 tsp. of vanilla.

Add 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing until just blended.

Pour over the crust.

Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 55 minutes. Loosen cake from rim pan. Cool completely before removing the rim. Refrigerate for 4 hours.

Enjoy with your favorite toppings, such as cherries...

...or drizzle with chocolate and caramel sauce.

So simple, so easy, why would you buy another premade dessert again?