Shillito's Lazarus Cheesecake

This is the cheesecake recipe used by Shillito's Department Store bakery in Cincinnati, Ohio which had its own bakery and tea room in the 1950s and 1960s.

Ingredients

Crust

• 18 single Graham crackers, crushed
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Filling

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 24 ounces cream cheese
• 5 eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Topping

• 1 pint sour cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Mix together the crust ingredients and press into a 10-inch springform pan.
2. In mixer or food processor mix together the sugar and cheese. Add the eggs, one at a time and stir in the vanilla and juice. Pour over crust.
3. Bake in a preheated 300 degrees F oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, until set and puffed.
4. Stir together the topping ingredients. Remove cake from oven and spread over the topping. Return to oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Cool and chill.