The Famous Grilled Cheesecake

At the request of many, here is the recipe for the double layer cheesecake. This uses a buttery graham cracker and pecan crust, a rich first layer, and a smooth sour cream top layer. Enjoy!

Quick Start

• ◆Prep time: 20 minutes
• ◆Cook time: 47 minutes
• ◆Cooling time: 4 hours
• ◆Total time: ~5 hours
• ◆Servings: 12 slices
• ◆Author: Michael Cran

Equipment

Before you begin, have ready: Table Top Mixer (or Handheld Mixer), 10 inch Springform Pan, Measuring Cups & Spoons, Kitchen Utensils (Forks, Spoons, Knives), Mixing Bowls, 1 Gallon Ziploc Bags, Oven, Microwave.

Preparation

1. 1Place 1 stick of unsalted butter, 4 eggs, and 3 Philadelphia cream cheese bricks on the counter top.
2. 2Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
3. 3Ensure your baking area is clean, and layout all your ingredients.

Graham Cracker Crust

1. 1Take 12 graham cracker sheets and place in a large 1 gallon ziploc bag.
2. 2Measure 1 cup of pecans and pour into the same ziploc bag as the graham crackers.
3. 3Crush the graham cracker sheets and pecans until they are fine crumbs.
4. 4Pour the graham cracker and pecan crumbs into a mixing bowl.
5. 5Use a microwave safe bowl and melt the 1 stick of unsalted butter in the microwave. Then pour the melted butter into the mixing bowl that contains the graham cracker and pecan crumbs.
6. 6Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the mixture.
7. 7Mix by hand thoroughly with a fork or spoon until all sugar and melted butter has been absorbed into the graham cracker and pecan crumbs.
8. 8After ensuring your springform pan sides are locked, pour the crumbs into the spring pan and pat the crumbs to be around ½ inch thick in all areas.

Before moving on: Clean mixing bowl and have Hand Mixer or Tabletop Mixer accessible.

Cheesecake Layer #1

1. 1Open all three cream cheese bricks and cut them into sections to make mixing easier.
2. 2Crack all 4 eggs into a mixing bowl and slowly add the cream cheese slices while mixing at low speed.
3. 3Add 1 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then continue mixing at a low speed until the cheesecake batter is smooth.
4. 4Pour the cheesecake batter into the spring pan on top of the graham cracker crust. Use a spoon, knife, or shake the spring pan to level out the batter.
5. 5Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 40 minutes, then place it on the counter to cool for 2 hours.

Before moving on: Clean mixing bowl and let Cheesecake Layer #1 cool for 2 hours. Turn on grill to steady temperature of 450°F (230°C). If no access to grill, preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).

Cheesecake Layer #2

1. 1Add 1 pint of Sour Cream to a mixing bowl.
2. 2Add 1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix by hand till smooth and creamy. Ensure that all sugar and vanilla extract has been mixed from the edges and the bottom of the mixing bowl.
3. 3Pour the cheesecake batter into the spring pan on top of the 1st layer of cheesecake. Use a spoon, knife, or shake the spring pan to level out the batter.
4. 4Grill (or bake) at 450°F (230°C) for 7 minutes, then place on the counter to cool for 2 hours.

Before moving on: Let Cheesecake Layer #2 cool for 2 hours. For the best result, place cheesecake in refrigerator with tin foil on top of the spring pan for 24 hours.