Philadelphia Classic Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons plus 1 cup sugar, divided
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 4 packages (8 oz. each) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 eggs

Steps

1. Set the oven to preheat to 325°F.
2. Mix the graham crumbs with 3 tablespoons sugar and the butter, then press the mixture onto the base of a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Use a mixer to blend the cream cheese with 1 cup of the remaining sugar and the vanilla. Add the eggs 1 at a time, mixing on low after each only until blended. Pour this filling over the crust.
4. Bake about 55 minutes, until the center is almost set. Loosen the cake by running a knife around the pan's rim. Let it cool before taking off the rim, then refrigerate the cheesecake for 4 hours.