One of the best cheesecake recipes made with cream cheese and goat cheese. It’s simple to make, has a very light goat cheese flavor, and it's intensely creamy and fluffy. It’s full of flavor and perfect for every season.
In a food processor or blender, add whole the graham crackers and pulse until fine.
Add the crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter in a bowl and mix.
Press the mixture down to an even layer in a buttered, round springform pan (this is super important to use). There is no need to push up on the sides, just one even layer on the bottom of the pan.
Wrap the outside and bottom of the pan with tinfoil.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes in a 350-degree oven.
Cheesecake Filling
Turn the oven to 325 degrees.
Beat the room temp. cream cheese and goat cheese on medium (about 4 mins) until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides and bottom. Make sure to scrape down the sides and bottom often so there are zero clumps of cheese in the mixture.
With the mixer running, add sugar and salt and continue to beat for another 4 mins.
Beat in the vanilla and add eggs one at a time, beating full after each addition.
Reduce speed to low and add heavy cream.
Pour the batter over the baked crust, leaving a little room at the top for the cheesecake to rise.
At this point, let do not scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl into the pan. You don't want any clumps or anything that wasn't fully mixed to go into the cheesecake. Allow what will naturally flow out of the bowl to go into the pan.
Place the foil-wrapped pan in a larger roasting pan and pour warm water around the edges, halfway up to the springform pan, kind of like when you’re baking a soufflé.
Bake for 1 hour, until the top of the cheesecake, is brown.
Turn the oven off, prop the door open with a wooden spoon and let the cheesecake sit in there for another hour.
Take it out and let it cool at room temperature, then place it in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Sour Cream Topping
In a small bowl, whisk ingredients together until smooth.
When the cheesecake is cooled, spread a layer of the topping over the cheesecake.
Figs + Walnut Topping
If you want to add figs to the top, slice them and toss with honey and Grand Marnier. Carefully place them over the top. Crumble walnuts over the top too.
You can also use fresh raspberries or strawberries with this recipe.
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Goat Cheese Cheesecake
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Make sure cream cheese and goat cheese are entirely at room temperature for a smooth, creamy texture. Cold cheese can lead to clumps in the batter.
If you’re short on time, microwave the cream cheese for 20-30 seconds until softened (goat cheese usually softens when left out).
Scrape Often: While mixing, frequently scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly blended and lump-free.
Don’t Scrape the Bowl at the End: When pouring the batter into the crust, avoid scraping the very bottom of the bowl to keep any unmixed bits out of the cheesecake.
Choose Your Toppings: Top with figs or seasonal berries like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries for added flavor and presentation.
Baking Tip: It’s challenging to over-bake a cheesecake, but easy to underbake! When the top turns a light golden brown, turn off the oven, open the door, and let the cheesecake sit for another hour to finish setting.