Basic Creamy Cheesecake

Basic Creamy Cheesecake
Makes one 9-inch cake

Ingredients:
1 (9-inch) prepared graham cracker crust
16 ounces cream cheese
2 eggs
3/4 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Beat softened cream cheese slightly.
3. Add eggs, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest. Beat until light and fluffy.
4. Pour mixture into crust.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until firm, about 25 minutes.
6. Let cheesecake cool then top with cherry or blueberry pie filling, if desired.
7. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours before serving.