Cheesecake made easy—right in your slow cooker
Cheesecake is a timeless dessert loved by many, but the thought of baking one can feel daunting. Traditional methods involve water baths, meticulous temperature control, and plenty of time hovering around your oven. What if we told you there’s an easier way? With your trusty slow cooker, you can create a creamy, decadent cheesecake with minimal effort. Follow our step-by-step guide to make a flawless slow-cooker cheesecake that’s guaranteed to impress.
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Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Cheesecake
Here’s everything you need to make this easy cheesecake recipe. Gather your ingredients and prepare for a hassle-free dessert-making experience.
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Crust | Amount |
---|---|
Graham cracker crumbs | 1 ½ cups |
Sugar | ¼ cup |
Melted butter | 7 tbsp |
Cheesecake Filling | Amount |
---|---|
Cream cheese (softened) | 16 oz |
Sugar | 1 ½ cups |
Cornstarch | 3 tbsp |
Flour | 1 tbsp |
Eggs | 2 |
Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
Sour cream | 1 cup |
Fresh strawberries | Optional |
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Slow-Cooker Cheesecake
1. Prepare the Crust
The base of any cheesecake is its crust. Here’s how to make it buttery and flavorful:
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- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup of sugar, and 7 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles damp sand.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a slow cooker liner. Ensure it’s compact for a firm foundation.
2. Mix the Cheesecake Filling
The filling is the heart of the cheesecake. Follow these steps to achieve a smooth and creamy texture:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1 ½ cups of sugar until fluffy.
- Add 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of flour, mixing until incorporated.
- Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, ensuring a silky consistency.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 cup of sour cream. This gives the cheesecake its signature tangy creaminess.
3. Assemble the Cheesecake
Once the crust and filling are ready:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly to ensure a smooth surface.
4. Cook the Cheesecake
Slow cookers provide gentle, even heat, perfect for cheesecake.
- Cover the slow cooker with a lid. To prevent condensation from dripping onto the cheesecake, place a paper towel under the lid.
- Cook on high heat for 2 hours and 40 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this can disrupt the temperature.
5. Cool the Cheesecake
Cooling is crucial for a firm and flavorful cheesecake:
- Turn off the slow cooker and let the cheesecake sit for 3 hours to cool gradually.
- Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
6. Serve and Enjoy
When ready to serve:
- Slice the cheesecake and garnish with fresh strawberries or your favorite toppings.
- Sit back and savor the rich, creamy delight you’ve created with minimal effort.