Smooth and creamy vanilla cheesecake

There’s a reason this smooth and creamy vanilla cheesecake with a crumbly biscuit crust is a crowd favourite. Not only is the taste absolutely addictive, but it’s also one of the easiest, gourmet-style desserts out there! Plus, with a fairly low-cost ingredients list, this dessert is good enough for a five-star restaurant menu, but without all the fuss. Serve it up with some ice cream or fresh fruit and you’ll be good to go!

Serves 12

Ingredients

• 1 x 250g pkt Arnott’s Nice biscuits
• 140g butter, melted
• 2 x 250g pkts cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 x 300g ctn sour cream
• 155g (3/4 cup) caster sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3 tsp vanilla essence
• Icing sugar, to dust
• Double cream, to serve
• Fresh raspberries, to serve

Method

1. Release the base from a 22cm (base measurement) springform pan and invert. Line the base with non-stick baking paper, allowing the edges to overhang. Secure the base back into the pan.
2. Place the biscuits in the bowl of a food processor and process until finely crushed. Add the butter and process until well combined. Transfer to the lined pan. Use the back of a spoon or a straight-sided glass to spread and press the biscuit mixture firmly over the base and side of the pan. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill.
3. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 160C. Place the cream cheese, sour cream and sugar in the clean bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla, and process until well combined.
4. Pour the cream cheese mixture into the prepared pan. Bake in oven for 1 hour or until just set in the centre. Turn oven off. Leave the cheesecake in the oven, with the door slightly ajar, until cooled completely (this will prevent the cake from cracking). Place in the fridge for 4 hours to chill.
5. Remove the cheesecake from the pan. Cut into slices. Dust with icing sugar and serve with cream and raspberries.