Easy Cheesecake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan to form the crust.

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust in the pie pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then add a crust shield or cover the crust with aluminum foil.

Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the center is set and a digital thermometer inserted into the filling reads between 165°F and 170°F.

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool on a rack.

Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake, covered, until ready to serve.

Slice into wedges and serve with fresh fruit or your favorite topping.