Cherry Topped Cheesecake (Printer-Friendly)

Velvety smooth cheesecake with graham cracker crust and cherry topping - the ultimate indulgent dessert for any occasion.

# What You’ll Need to Cook:

01 - 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 40 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature (5 packages of 8 oz each)
04 - 1 cup granulated sugar
05 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
07 - 1 cup sour cream
08 - 4 large eggs
09 - 19 fluid ounces cherry pie filling (1 can)

# Steps to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F.
02 - Add graham crackers to a food processor and pulse until crumbs form. Mix with melted butter and press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
03 - Beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth. Mix in sour cream. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until blended.
04 - Pour the batter over the baked crust in the springform pan.
05 - Wrap the bottom of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent leaks. Place the pan into a larger roasting pan and add boiling water to reach halfway up the sides.
06 - Transfer the roasting pan to the oven and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. The center should jiggle slightly when done.
07 - Turn off the oven and leave the door open. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven until it reaches room temperature to prevent cracks.
08 - Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
09 - Top the cheesecake with cherry pie filling, slice, and serve.

# Extra Cooking Tips:

01 - Use a 9-inch springform pan for best results. A smaller pan won't hold the batter, while a larger pan may result in a thinner cheesecake.
02 - Wrap cheesecake slices individually before freezing for better storage.
03 - Thaw the frozen cheesecake overnight in the refrigerator for optimal consistency.