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Classic Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with White Chocolate Topping: A Luxurious Dessert You’ll Love


  • Author: Annabel
  • Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
  • Yield: 10–12 servings

Description

 

Indulge in the creamy perfection of this Classic Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with White Chocolate Topping. It’s a luxurious dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth vanilla bean-infused filling, and a fluffy white chocolate topping. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because, this elegant cheesecake is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.


Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 9 graham crackers, crushed into crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake:

  • 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Seeds from 2 vanilla beans
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature

For the white chocolate topping:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • white chocolate baking bars (6 ounces), melted and cooled
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream, cold

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even layer. Bake for 8–10 minutes and let cool.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer. Add the sugar and flour, mixing until combined. Incorporate the vanilla extract, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla bean seeds, beating until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to avoid overmixing.

3. Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling onto the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the springform pan into a larger baking dish and add hot water to the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan (a water bath). Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and allow the cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour. Then, remove it and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.

4. Prepare the White Chocolate Topping: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the melted and cooled white chocolate, mixing until combined. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the white chocolate mixture.

5. Assemble the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, spread the white chocolate topping evenly over the surface using an offset spatula. For a polished look, garnish with fresh berries, vanilla bean seeds, or white chocolate shavings.

6. Serve: Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy, dreamy layers of this decadent cheesecake.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients for the filling are at room temperature to avoid lumps.
  • A water bath is recommended to ensure even baking and to prevent cracking.
  • Chill the cheesecake overnight for the best flavor and texture.
  • You can customize the crust with crushed Oreos or gingersnap cookies for a unique twist.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American