Vanilla Bean Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 vanilla bean, scraped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a small bowl, mix together crushed graham crackers, 1/3 cup sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, then let cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in sour cream, vanilla extract, scraped vanilla bean, and salt. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour filling into cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
5. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the center is almost set.
6. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen it from the pan.
7. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.