Super Duper Cheesecake

This is my birthday cake. It is so much my birthday cake that it is identified in the family cookbook as “Mom’s Super Duper Cheesecake (Sally’s Birthday Cake). I have celebrated my birthday with this cake nearly every year of my life, made by my mother, or by me, or, this year, by my daughter. I am so lucky. And, you are too, because now you can make this cake.

Crust:

1 1/2 c graham cracker crumbs (20 crackers)

1/4 c sugar

1/3 c melted butter

Mix and press into pan. 1 cup for sides, rest for bottom. Let sit while mixing filling.

Filling:

1 lb cream cheese, softened

3 eggs

1/2 c sugar

3/4 t vanilla

Heat oven to 375. Combine with electric mixer until smooth. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand somewhere cool for 15 minutes. Raise oven temperature to 475.

Topping:

1 pint sour cream

1/4 c sugar

1 t vanilla

With a spoon, mix these ingredients only until well blended. Pour over filling and spread evenly. Bake at 475 for 10 minutes. Watch carefully. Let stand on rack for 5 hours. Refrigerate at least 8 hours before unmolding.