Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking your cheesecake.
Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the graham cracker crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a removable mold to form the base. This crust will provide a buttery crunch that complements the creamy cheesecake.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until you have a smooth and soft mixture. This might take a couple of minutes. Once combined, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add Flavor: Now, it’s time to spice things up! Add in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and ground cinnamon. Mix everything until fully combined and creamy.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust. To add a touch of cinnamon goodness, mix the brown sugar with a little more cinnamon and sprinkle it over the top. Bake the cheesecake in your preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, until the center is firm yet slightly trembling.
Cool and Chill: Once baked, let the cheesecake cool at room temperature before refrigerating it for at least 4 hours (or overnight for the best results). This chilling step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture!
Serve and Enjoy: When you’re ready to indulge, carefully unmold the cheesecake, slice it into portions, and serve. Feel free to top it with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for that extra special touch.