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Press the crust firmly into the bottom of the pan and slightly up the sides, creating a thin layer that acts as a barrier between the cheesecake and the baking surface. Bake the crust for 10-15 minutes until it’s fragrant and golden.
Making the Cheesecake Filling
While the crust bakes, it's time to focus on the filling. Start by softening three 8-ounce bricks of cream cheese. This is a crucial step to avoid lumps in your final mixture. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened cheese on medium speed for about a minute.