Creme Brulee Cheesecake

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9 inch springform pan with nonstick spray. Take 3 large pieces of aluminum foil and place them on the bottom/sides of the springform pan. Set aside.
• In a medium bowl, mix together the 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 3 Tablespoons sugar and 6 Tablespoons melted butter. Mix together until combined and the mixture is like a thick sand.
• Pour crumb mixture into the pan and use the bottom of a measuring cup to spread and press the crust out evenly and up about 1 inch onto the sides. Bake for 15 minutes until light brown. Remove from the oven and set aside. Move the oven temp up to 450 degrees.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer, first mix the 3 blocks of cream cheese on medium speed for about 4 minutes, scraping down the sides halfway through. Next add the 1 cup of sugar and mix again for another 1 minute.
• Add each of the 3 eggs, one at a time and mix after each one. Then add 1 cup of sour cream and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix again for another 2 minutes.
• Pour the cheesecake mixture into the baked crust and spread out evenly.
• Next, place the springform pan in a larger baking pan or roasting pan. Pour hot water into the larger pan around the springform pan and about 1 inch up the sides.
• Bake for 15 minutes and then turn the oven down to 225 degrees and bake for another 1 ¼ hours (85 minutes). Then turn the oven off and open the oven door but leave the cheesecake inside and sit for another 30 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and then let cool completely for about 2 hours. Then cover the cheesecake with clear wrap and place in the fridge overnight.
• Topping: Remove the sides of the springform pan and then sprinkle the 3 Tablespoons of sugar evenly over the top of the cheesecake. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar on the top of the cheesecake. Let sit for a few minutes to harden before serving. (If you do not have a kitchen torch, you can just put the cheesecake in the oven under a low broil until the sugar caramelizes. Watch carefully, only takes a couple minutes)
• Store any leftovers covered in the fridge.