Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a springform pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
3. Add flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixture and combine until a dough forms.
4. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the sugar cookie crust.
5. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
6. Add eggs and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, blending until creamy.
7. Pour the cheesecake filling over the sugar cookie crust in the pan.
8. Optional: Swirl raspberry sauce on top of the cheesecake filling for a marbled effect.
9. Bake the cheesecake for 45-50 minutes until the center is set.
10. Allow the cheesecake to cool, then refrigerate for several hours before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
– For a perfectly smooth cheesecake filling, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
– Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent the cheesecake from cracking during baking.
– To create a water bath for baking, place the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to ensure even baking.
– Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set properly before slicing and serving.
