How to Make Cheesecake Crust:

1. Prepare the Crust: Crush graham crackers into crumbs. In a medium bowl, combine crumbs together with melted butter and sugar and stir until moistened.
2. Press and Bake: Press crumbs into a 9″ springform pan, going up the sides slightly. Bake in the center of a conventional oven at 350˚F (175˚C) for 8 minutes, then cool to room temperature.
3. Wrap the Pan: Place 2 large sheets of extra-wide heavy-duty foil on the counter. Set the springform pan in the center and fold the foil up the sides of the pan, ensuring there are no rips or holes. Fan the foil out slightly at the tops to keep the rim clear for rising.

How to Make Perfect Cheesecake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 450˚F (230˚C).
2. Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine cream cheese and 1 1/4 cups sugar. Beat on medium/high speed for 5 minutes until completely smooth, scraping down the bowl and attachment as needed.
3. Add Eggs: Reduce speed to medium and add eggs one at a time, letting them incorporate between each addition and scraping down the bowl as needed.
4. Add Sour Cream and Vanilla: Reduce speed to low and add 1/4 cup sour cream and 1/2 Tbsp vanilla and mix just until incorporated. Pour batter over the foil-wrapped springform pan with your cooled crust.

How to Bake Cheesecake in a Water Bath:

1. Prepare Water Bath: Boil a pot of water (boil more than you think you’ll need to ensure there’s enough). Set your cheesecake pan in a deep roasting pan. Pour hot water around the edges about halfway up the sides of the springform pan (1 1/2″ to 2″ of water).
2. Bake: Carefully transfer cheesecake to the center rack of the oven and bake at 450˚F (230˚C) for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 225˚F (105˚C) and without opening the door, bake an additional 60-75 minutes or until the center of the cheesecake wobbles slightly when you tap the pan.
3. Cool and Chill: Remove cheesecake from the oven and let it rest in the roasting pan with water for 45 minutes, then transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Cover the pan with plastic wrap, being careful that it doesn’t touch the surface, and chill in the refrigerator overnight to fully set before slicing.