Old-Fashioned Cheesecake Recipe From Scratch!

By Griselda M., last updated on October 8, 2024

Are you thinking of making an old-fashioned cheesecake recipe from scratch? Well, guess what? You’re in the right place. We have grandma’s cheesecake recipe, and I’m pretty sure you’ll love it.

Yes, I interviewed the grandmother of one of our chefs, and she didn’t keep any secrets to herself. We know that she was renowned for her baking, and that is why we wanted her to give us her secret recipe she had. In addition, we have brought you the story of how this tradition began.

But before you make this amazing recipe, let us tell you a little bit about her and how she discovered it. And you know what? I felt very honored when she shared her own memories and dishes with me.  And this was not the only recipe she shared, but I’ll tell you about it later.

That is to say, learning about the grandmothers’ traditions it’s a beautiful experience, listening to a grandmother will always be comforting. So, if you still have her -or them-, go see her and spend the rest of your day there if possible. Meanwhile, you can cook for her!

Jump to Recipe

Old-Fashioned Cheesecake Recipe From Scratch

This cheesecake recipe is what I call Old-Fashioned. It has no special ingredients or extra flavors in it, it’s simple, delicious, and with a sour cream topping. It’s pretty easy to make -according to Grandma-.

Therefore, an old-fashioned cheesecake is meant to be a pastry classic. Granma says it is a dessert that has been passed from generation to generation. She also says she found her grandmother’s old cookbook, just above the kitchenette when she was cleaning.

She didn’t like the cover of the cookbook -she admitted-. It was old, dirty, and a little greasy. When she opened the cookbook the pages were intact, a little yellowish by the passage of time, but the writing looked perfect.

Feeling happy, she wanted to prepare those recipes. And one of those was our protagonist… the “Cream Cheesecake Recipe”. In other words, she called it “Grandma’s Cheesecake”.

A dessert made from scratch…

Any dessert made from scratch it’s always wonderful homemade goodness. We have come with an old-fashioned cheesecake as the protagonist. This masterpiece can be made for any special event, where family and friends gathered together.

Certainly, it’s always nice to look for a pretext to reunite with your family, isn’t it? There is always someone who brings dinner or dessert or prepares it at grandma’s house. And this recipe is one of them.

And without further ae, here is the secret recipe:

Grandma’s Cheesecake Secret Recipe!

Firstly, are you ready for the challenge? This is the list of the equipment and the ingredients you’ll need to make this old-fashioned cheesecake from scratch.

Certainly, it would take you 15 minutes for preparation and a baking time of 60 minutes. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully.

Equipment needed

• A 13x9x2 heatproof glass pan
• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 electric hand mixer
• 1 small bowl
• 1 eggbeater or whisk
• Measuring spoons or cups -optional-
• 1 rubber spatula

Ingredients

• 2 cups of crushed graham crackers
• 3 tbsp of melted butter
• 3 pieces of cream cheese (8oz each) – at room temperature
• 5 eggs
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsp of vanilla extract

For the topping

• 24 ounces of sour cream.
• 6 tbsp of sugar.
• 1 1/2 tbsp of vanilla extract

Step-by-Step

Step #1:

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step #2:

Mix the graham crumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter.

Step #3:

Pour and press into the glass pan.

Step #4:

Get your large bowl and beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until fluffy.

Step #5:

Add the eggs (one at a time), then add the sugar and vanilla.

Step #6:

Pour the mixture over the crust.

Step #7:

Take it into the oven and bake for 50 minutes.

Step #8:

Remove your cheesecake from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes.

Step #9:

In the meantime, start making your topping.

1. Mix the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl and whisk.
2. Once your cheesecake is cool, spread the topping on and return it to the oven for another 10 minutes.
3. Take it out, let it cool completely, and refrigerate (leave it in the fridge from 3 to 8 hours (overnight).

Read more about Fix A Soggy Cheesecake Crust

Grandma was a very nice lady. She even cooked dinner for all of us, for instance. And to sum in, we loved to take care of a delicious tradition! So we ask you to please print this recipe, and show it to your children.

Final Words

Let’s make the traditional recipes of our ancestors continue to live with us. Most importantly, to always remember them, even if they are no longer with us.

In fact, you should ask your grandmother for her cookbook! I’m sure she will share it with you. But if she doesn’t, then make this recipe for her, or whatever recipe she likes.

In conclusion, please let us know in the comments below if you have an alternate way to make this old-fashioned cheesecake recipe, or if you have any other tips or tricks you can share with our cheesecake lovers’ family.

Learn more about Baking A Cheesecake Without A Springform Pan