1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 sheets, if Trader Joe’s 25 crackers) or Nilla Wafers
2 tablespoons sugar (no sugar if using Nilla Wafers)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
24 oz. (3 blocks) full‑fat cream cheese, room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoons cornstarch or 2 tablespoons all‑purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
Zest of ½ lemon (optional but highly recommended)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (165 °C).
Wrap the bottom and sides of a 9‑inch springform pan with at least 2 layers of aluminum foil.
Make the crust. Put the crackers into a large Ziploc bag and roll over them with a rolling pin until you get a sandy texture. Mix crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
Press the crust firmly into the bottom of the pan using the back of a measuring cup.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
Beat cream cheese and sugar on low speed using a stand mixer or hand mixer until smooth.