Incredibly Easy Yet Incredibly Good, Cheesecake!

Good thing I've not been gaining easily since Isagenix, because you'd almost think I was trying! Every fall I suddenly get the urge to bake, cook, and eat, and this year is no exception.

I tried this fabulous recipe last night and it really is amazingly good. Kevin said it was better than anything you can get at a store or restaurant and my friend Linda "reviewed" it today (it was a sacrifice on her part....) and asked for the recipe, so I thought I would share it.


INGREDIENTS:
1 individual package graham crackers, crushed
2 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3 (8 ounce) packages light cream cheese, softened
1 cup white sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Juice & zest of one lemon, if desired

1 (16 ounce) container light sour cream
3 teaspoons white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

In a food processor, combine graham crackers, 2 tablespoons sugar, butter and cinnamon. Pulse until smooth. Press into the bottom of an 8x12 inch baking dish.

In the food processor, combine cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, eggs and vanilla. If desired, add lemon juice and zest (this was not in the original recipes (found at www.allrecipes.com) but I added it and thought it gave an excellent, subtle lemon flavour). Process until smooth. Pour over crust.

Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until filling is set. Allow to cool slightly while making sour cream topping.

Adjust oven temperature to 325 degrees F. In a small bowl, mix together sour cream, sugar and vanilla. Spread over top of cheesecake. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

This recipes makes a huge amount so if you are like me and run the risk of eating leftover cheesecake for breakfast (with or without the Isagenix protein shake hahahaha) you may want to reduce the recipe by 1/3 or even 2/3's.

I will definitely be making this again though will wait until we are having company, or going to a potluck. There is so much leftover! I think it likely would freeze well and may try that out.

I added cherry pie filling on top though next time will either not bother with a topping, or serve it on the side. It was so good that I think I might prefer it on its own.