Nothing fancy needed here.

Just a simple loaf pan and this quick and easy recipe.

So handy to have when it’s just a few dinner guests.

PREHEAT OVEN TO 325º
9X5-INCH LOAF PAN LINED

CRUST:

3 TBS BUTTER – melted
1 TB SUGAR
1 CUP GRAHAM CRACKER CRUMBS – or
     Any of your favorite cookies made into crumbs
½ TSP VANILLA EXTRACT

Line the loaf pan with parchment paper allowing enough hanging over on the sides to make it easy to lift the cake out.

In a medium bowl, add the melted butter, vanilla, sugar, graham cracker crumbs and mix all together until evenly and smoothly combined. Press the crumbs down firmly onto the bottom of the pan in a smooth even layer.

CHEESECAKE:

16 OZ CREAM CHEESE – not low fat, softened
2/3 CUP SUGAR
2 EGGS – room temp, lightly beaten
1 TSP VANILLA EXTRACT – or to taste

In a large bowl, add the cream cheese and sugar and beat until smooth. Add the eggs and 

vanilla (you can use almond if you prefer) and beat just until well combined. Do not overbeat.

Carefully pour the batter over the graham cracker crust smoothing it to make an even layer.

Bake in pre-heated oven for 38-42 minutes until the top is set and the center jiggles slightly. 

Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 2 or 2 ½ hours uncovered on a wire grate.

Cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for 6 hours or best overnight. When ready to serve, lift the cake carefully out of the pan using the parchment paper and allow to sit for about 5-10 minutes. Slice and serve as desired – sprinkled with powdered sugar, plain, with cut up fresh fruit or any of your favorite toppings.

BUON MANGIATA!