Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Cherry Blossom Glaze:
- 1 cup cherry juice (fresh or bottled)
- 2 tablespoons dried cherry blossoms (or cherry blossom extract, if available)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Mix the Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well combined.
- Press into Pan: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon to compact the crumbs tightly.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s golden brown. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add Vanilla and Sour Cream: Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream. Add the flour and mix until just combined.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for 1 hour to cool gradually.
- Chill: After the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, cover and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to set.
Prepare the Cherry Blossom Glaze
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine cherry juice, dried cherry blossoms, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes to infuse the flavor.
- Thicken the Glaze: Add the cornstarch and water mixture to the pan, stirring constantly until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy.
- Cool the Glaze: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the glaze cool to room temperature.
Assemble the Cheesecake
- Top with Glaze: Once the cheesecake has fully chilled, pour the cooled cherry blossom glaze over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Chill Again: Place the cheesecake back into the fridge for another 30 minutes to let the glaze set before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 min.
- Chill Time: 4-6 hours
- Cook Time: 1 hr
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10-12 slices
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g