Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake

In keeping with our National Cheesecake Day celebration, we couldn't leave out one of our Restaurant Favorites: The Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake!

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Visit in your area for the real thing!

Today, July 30th, you can get any slice for half the regular price!
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For those of us who would rather bake it in our own kitchens, here's the recipe:

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CRUST WITH NUTS:

Ingredients
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans

1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

1/4 cup finely chopped almonds

3/4 cup finely chopped vanilla wafers

2 tablespoons melted butter

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Directions

1. Mix all nuts and vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter and press into a 9 inch buttered springform pan, trying to line the sides as much as possible about 1 1/2" up the sides of the pan, set aside.

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NO-NUT CRUST:
Ingredients
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/3 cup melted margarine

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Directions
1. Combine the graham cracker crumbs and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Mix in melted margarine.
2. Press the crumb into a 9-inch spring form pan that has been lined on the bottom and side with parchment paper.
3. Use the bottom of a drinking glass to press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the pan and about 2/3 the way up the side.
4. Put the crust in your freezer until the filling is done.

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CHEESECAKE FILLING:

Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs cream cheese

1 1/3 cups sugar

5 large eggs

16 ounces sour cream

1/4 cup flour

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 teaspoons lemon juice

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Directions
1. All the filling ingredients should be at room temperature.
2. Beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy with an electric mixer set on low (keep the setting at low during the entire mixing process).
3. Add the sugar a little at a time and continue beating until creamy.
4. Add one egg at a time and beat after each egg.
5. Add flour, vanilla and lemon juice, mix well.
6. Add the sour cream and beat well.
7. Pour cream cheese mixture into the springform pan.
8. Place on the top rack in the middle of a 325 degrees preheated oven for one hour and 15 minutes.
9. When time is up turn oven off, prop open oven door and leave in oven for one hour.
10. Remove from oven and let cool then refrigerate for 24 hours.
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Note: A cheesecake should season. The wait is worth it. The flavor ripens and becomes enriched.