Charlene's Recipe

Cheesecake

Category: Desserts

Makes 10 servings

1 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup margarine, melted
1 1/4 cup sugar, divided
3 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 eggs
1 cup dairy sour cream
1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling (optional)

In bowl, combine crumbs, margarine and 1/4 cup sugar. Press on bottom and 1 1/2 inch upside of an 8 or 9 inch springform pan; set aside.
In bowl, with electric mixer at high speed, beat cream cheese, remaining sugar and vanilla until creamy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Blend in sour cream. Spread in prepared pan.
Bake at 350 for 60-70 minutes or until center is set.
Turn off oven, leaving door slightly ajar, leave cheesecake in oven 1 hour. Remove from oven; cool completely. Chill 4 hours or overnight. Remove side of pan; top with cherry pie filling; if desired.