CREAM CHEESE FILLING FOR CHEESECAKE RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325°F.
• Lightly brush the inside of a 9-inch pie or cake pan and the outside of a smaller pan with some of the melted butter.
• In the bowl of a food processor, combine the crumbs and remaining butter.
• Pat the mixture evenly into the pan and press it down with the bottom of the smaller pan.
• Bake until firm and lightly browned, about 15 minutes.
• Cool on a wire rack.
• In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese and sugar for 2 minutes.
• Add the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl frequently.
• Beat in the lemon zest, vanilla and salt.
• Fold in the sour cream by hand.
• Scrape the filling into the crust and smooth the top.
• Bake until the cake is barely set, about 45 minutes.
• Cool in the pan on a wire rack, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.