Easy Cheesecake
Easy Cheesecake is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by In The Kitchen With Matt on YouTube.
Prep: 33 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 23 min
Cost: $11.57 total, $1.45 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 pieces Graham Crackers (full‑size, crushed into fine crumbs)
- 0.25 cup Powdered Sugar (for the crust sweetness)
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 16 ounces Cream Cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla extract)
- 0.66 cup Granulated Sugar (for the filling sweetness)
- 2 pieces Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups Fresh Strawberries (washed and sliced)
- 3 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (for strawberry sauce)
- 0.5 cup Strawberry Jelly (store‑bought)
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (to thicken the topping)
Instructions
Crush Graham Crackers
Place the 12 graham crackers in a zip‑top bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor.
Time: PT5M
Melt Butter
Melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the microwave or a small saucepan; set aside to cool slightly.
Time: PT2M
Combine Crust Ingredients and Press
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed crackers, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and the melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9‑inch pie pan, creating an even layer.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Cheesecake Filling
Beat 16 oz softened cream cheese until smooth (about 3 minutes). Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and 2/3 cup granulated sugar; beat for another 2 minutes. Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing briefly after each addition until just incorporated.
Time: PT7M
Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight wobble.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°F
Room‑Temperature Cool
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it sit in the pan at room temperature for 30 minutes to finish setting.
Time: PT30M
Chill in Refrigerator
Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes (longer if possible) before adding the topping.
Time: PT30M
Make Strawberry‑Jelly Topping
While the cheesecake chills, wash and slice 2 cups of fresh strawberries. In a saucepan over medium‑low heat, combine the strawberries, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup strawberry jelly. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the fruit softens (about 3 minutes). In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water, then stir the slurry into the saucepan. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes). Optionally blend for a smooth sauce.
Time: PT12M
Top and Serve
Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator, spread the strawberry‑jelly sauce evenly over the top, slice, and serve.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 6 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 25 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains Gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Graham Crackers: Digestive biscuits
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: Granulated sugar (processed)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchâtel cheese
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean paste
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Powdered sugar
- Instead of Large Eggs: Egg replacer (for vegans)
- Instead of Fresh Strawberries: Frozen strawberries (thawed)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey
- Instead of Strawberry Jelly: Fruit preserves
- Instead of Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder
Equipment Needed
- 9‑Inch Pie Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer (optional)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Zip‑Top Bag and Rolling Pin (optional)
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Oven
- Stove Burner
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Crushing the graham crackers to the right consistency.
- Pressing the crust firmly but not over‑compacting.
- Avoiding over‑mixing the cream cheese filling after adding eggs.
- Baking until the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble to prevent cracks.
- Thickening the strawberry topping with cornstarch without forming lumps.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use room‑temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smoother batter.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of lemon zest to the filling.
- Garnish with a few whole strawberry halves for visual appeal.
Troubleshooting
Crack on the surface of the cheesecake after baking.
Do not over‑mix the batter, bake only until the edges are set, and create steam in the oven by placing a pan of water on the lower rack.
Topping remains runny and does not thicken.
Ensure the cornstarch slurry is fully dissolved before adding, and continue cooking while stirring until the sauce reaches a glossy, thick consistency.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly with plastic wrap; keep for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Wrap the whole cheesecake in foil and then place in a freezer bag; freeze up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the crust up to step 3 and refrigerate it; add the filling later.
- The cheesecake can be baked a day ahead and kept refrigerated.
- Strawberry topping can be made up to 2 hours in advance and reheated gently before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cheesecake in American cuisine?
Cheesecake has been a beloved American dessert since the 19th century, evolving from European cheese‑based pies. It became especially popular in New York, where the dense, creamy style we know today was refined.
What are the traditional regional variations of cheesecake in the United States?
In the U.S., New York‑style cheesecake is dense and uses a simple graham cracker crust, while Chicago‑style often includes a sour cream topping. Some Southern versions incorporate cream cheese with a sweetened biscuit crust.
How is an easy cheesecake like this traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served chilled, sliced into wedges, and topped with fresh fruit, fruit sauces, or a drizzle of chocolate. It often appears at family gatherings, holidays, and pot‑luck dinners.
What occasions or celebrations is cheesecake traditionally associated with in American culture?
Cheesecake is a popular dessert for birthdays, anniversaries, Thanksgiving, and casual weekend gatherings. Its versatility makes it a go‑to treat for both formal and informal events.
What makes this Easy Cheesecake Smash special or unique in American dessert cuisine?
This recipe combines a quick‑mix graham cracker crust with a simple baked cream cheese filling and a bright strawberry‑jelly topping, delivering a classic flavor profile in under an hour of active work.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Easy Cheesecake Smash at home?
Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, which can trap air and cause cracks, and baking too long, which dries the center. Also, not allowing the topping to thicken properly will result in a runny sauce.
Why does this Easy Cheesecake Smash recipe use a baked filling instead of a no‑bake method?
Baking sets the cream cheese firmly, giving a richer texture and a classic cheesecake mouthfeel, while also allowing the flavor of vanilla and eggs to develop fully.
Can I make Easy Cheesecake Smash ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can bake the cheesecake a day in advance, then keep it covered in the refrigerator. The strawberry topping can be made up to two hours ahead and reheated gently before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Easy Cheesecake Smash is done baking?
The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the center will have a slight wobble when the pan is gently shaken. The surface should be smooth without cracks.
What does the YouTube channel In The Kitchen With Matt specialize in?
The YouTube channel In The Kitchen With Matt focuses on straightforward, home‑cooked recipes that require minimal equipment and time, often highlighting classic comfort foods with a modern twist.
How does the YouTube channel In The Kitchen With Matt's approach to American dessert cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Matt emphasizes quick, step‑by‑step instructions, uses everyday pantry ingredients, and often includes helpful visual cues, making classic desserts like cheesecake accessible to cooks of any skill level.
What other American dessert recipes is the YouTube channel In The Kitchen With Matt known for?
Matt is known for recipes such as classic apple pie, chocolate chip cookies, banana bread, and a variety of quick puddings and no‑bake desserts that appeal to busy home cooks.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
