When it comes to dessert, making it yourself is not only more satisfying, it’s often far more budget-friendly. Today, I’m sharing a cheesecake recipe that’s been in my family for decades. It’s rich, creamy, and every bit as good as the original from The Cheesecake Factory.
This recipe has a special history. My mom got it years ago when my parents owned a small lakeside resort known for its incredible cheesecake. Guests raved about it, and so did I. I loved it so much, I begged my mom for the recipe. She finally caved, but only after I promised to keep it a secret.
Now, decades later, the resort has been sold, and the business has long since closed its doors. So today, I’m finally sharing this beloved recipe with you. Whether you enjoy your cheesecake plain or topped with fruit, I hope this one becomes a favorite in your home, just like it’s been in mine.
Make This Easy, Cheesecake Factory-Style Dessert for Under $11
Just for fun, I did some number crunching, and if you bought the ingredients for this cheesecake at Wal-Mart as of today, it would run $10 and change.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cream Cheese (2 packs) – $6.26
- Eggs (3) – $0.75
- Sugar (1 cup total) – $0.39
- Vanilla Extract (1.5 tsp) – $0.34
- Sour Cream (8 oz) – $1.74
- Graham Cracker Crumbs (1.5 cups) – $0.60
- Butter (¼ cup) – $0.56
That’s more than 80% cheaper than a Cheesecake Factory cheesecake, which runs between $60–$70 for a 10-inch cake. And get this: even a single slice of their Original cheesecake can cost over $11.
Save Money and Impress Your Guests
Whether hosting a gathering, celebrating a birthday, or just treating yourself to a sweet, creamy indulgence, you don’t need to spend that. While it involves three steps, it is easy to make and a real favorite among family and friends. Here’s how you can make your own.
Frugal Factory-Style Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 2 8-oz pkg. cream cheese
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
Mix and set aside
Crust
- 1 ¼ c. graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ c sugar
- ½ stick melted butter (1/4 cup)
Melt butter and mix with graham crackers and sugar.
In a separate bowl
- 1 small container sour cream (8 oz)
- ¼ c. sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla
Make this mixture while the cheesecake cools for 10 minutes.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Lightly butter a springform pan.
- In a bowl, mix crust ingredients.
- Press crust into the bottom of the pan.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla with a handheld electric mixer until smooth.
- Pour into the crust.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- While it is cooling, increase oven temp to 450°F.
- Mix sour cream, sugar, and vanilla.
- Spread the sour cream topping over the slightly cooled cheesecake.
- Bake for another 10 minutes at 450°F.
- Cool completely, then chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
Budget-Friendly Cheesecake Toppings
You can enjoy this cheesecake as is or create a simple, low-cost topping. Here are a few ideas that can be made with everyday items or seasonal fruit, perfect for adding flavor and flair without stretching your grocery budget.
Fresh or Macerated Strawberries
Buy strawberries when they’re in season (late spring to early summer) or on sale. The bright red sauce adds both visual appeal and flavor contrast. Personally, this is my favorite.
- Simple Version: Just slice and serve.
- Strawberry Sauce: Toss sliced strawberries (about a cup) with 1–2 tsp of sugar and let sit for 15 minutes until they get juicy. Add a squeeze of lemon if you have it.
Basic Blueberry Sauce
Use fresh or frozen blueberries (frozen is usually cheaper and works just as well). I go blueberry picking when they are in season and freeze them to have on hand. I get a lot more for my money this way.
Recipe:
- 1 cup blueberries
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional for thickening)
Simmer everything together until bubbly and slightly thickened.
Chocolate Drizzle
No need for fancy chocolate, here’s a recipe that uses cocoa powder!
Easy drizzle:
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp milk or water
- 1 tsp butter (optional)
Simmer for a minute until smooth. Let cool slightly, then drizzle.
Simple, Sweet, and Worth It
There’s something special about making a classic dessert like cheesecake from scratch, especially when it tastes like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant, but costs a fraction of the
