Marx Bros. Cheesecake
This classic Marx Bros. Cheesecake is the ultimate comfort dessert, boasting an impossibly creamy texture and deep, custardy flavor. The secret lies in the generous amount of cream cheese and the careful balance of eggs and sour cream, which prevent cracking while ensuring a luscious mouthfeel. It sits atop a sophisticated crust made from toasted pecans and graham crackers, bound with butter for a buttery, nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling. This show-stopping bake is perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday brunches, or any special occasion where you want to impress guests with timeless elegance. Allow plenty of time for chilling to let the flavors meld and set.
Description
This classic Marx Bros. Cheesecake is the ultimate comfort dessert, boasting an impossibly creamy texture and deep, custardy flavor. The secret lies in the generous amount of cream cheese and the careful balance of eggs and sour cream, which prevent cracking while ensuring a luscious mouthfeel. It sits atop a sophisticated crust made from toasted pecans and graham crackers, bound with butter for a buttery, nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling. This show-stopping bake is perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday brunches, or any special occasion where you want to impress guests with timeless elegance. Allow plenty of time for chilling to let the flavors meld and set.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon toasted pecans (about 2 ounces), finely ground
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Directions
- 1 Preheat oven to 250°F. Rub 2 tablespoons of the butter over the bottom and up the sides of a 10-inch diameter springform pan with 3-inch high sides.
- 2
Add the finely ground toasted pecans to the pan, shaking and turning the pan to coat the bottom and sides evenly.- 3
In a small bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the remaining 1/2 cup of butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.- 4
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until softened and smooth.- 5
Add the sugar, whole eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.- 6
Using a spatula, gently fold in the sour cream until just incorporated.- 7
Pour the batter into the prepared pan over the crust.- 8
Bake until a knife inserted 2 inches from the center comes out clean, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.- 9
Turn off the oven but leave the cheesecake inside for 20 minutes to cool gradually.- 10
Transfer the cheesecake to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.- 11
Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight before serving.NoteEnsure all dairy ingredients (cream cheese, butter, sour cream) are at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps.
To toast pecans: Spread on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5-8 minutes until fragrant. Let cool before grinding.
For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between each cut.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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