Carmela Soprano's New Jersey Cheesecake recipe / Graham Wafer Crust

The post about Carmela Soprano's Ricotta-Pineapple Pie got some folks curious.

Curious enough to request the recipe for Carmela's New Jersey Cheesecake.

Yes, the post I did in 2010 did not have an actual recipe.

All it had was a beginner blogger getting herself into a lot of trouble.

Back to the cookbook Entertaining with The Sopranos… 

Here's the straight recipe.

No wisecracks.
I've learned my lesson.

Some hints:

If you don't have 1 1/4 Cup crumbs, crush 10 whole graham crackers.

Over beating the filling after adding the lemon juice puts too much air into the filling and can cause the cake to sink when it cools.

The wrapped cake in the pan can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before serving.

The cake can be topped with fruit when served.

                        New Jersey Cheesecake

Serves 12 - 15

Place the oven rack in the middle of the oven.

Butter the bottom of a 10 x 3-inch springform pan.

Preheat the oven to 325º

The Crust

Combine in a small bowl

1 1/4 Cups graham wafer crumbs

1/4 Cup sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 

Press the mixture over the bottom of the prepared pan.

Bake 8 minutes.

Place on a rack to cool.

Leave the oven on.

The Filling

Combine in a large mixer bowl

1 1/2 Cups sugar

1/4 Cup flour

Add

2  8-ounce packages cream cheese, at room temperature

Beat at medium speed until smooth.

Add

3  8-ounce packages cream cheese, at room temperature

1 Tablespoon vanilla

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Beat at low speed until smooth.

Add, one at a time

4 large eggs

Mix well after each egg is added.

Add

1 Cup sour cream

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

Beat just until smooth.  Do not overbeat.

Spoon the filling into the prepared pan.

Bake for 75 minutes.

The pie should be set around the edges, with a slightly soft center.

The centre will be wobbly.  That's the way it's supposed to be.

Cool on a wire rack 1 hour.

The cake will crack.  That's the way it's supposed to be.

Keep the cake in the pan, wrap it in foil, and refrigerate at least 8 hours.

About an hour before serving remove the cake from the refrigerator.

Run a knife around the edge of the pan and remove the sides of the pan.

Would I make Carmela's New Jersey Cheesecake again?

I ain't talkin'.