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1
Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottom of the springform pan and line with parchment or waxed paper.
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2
Set aside.
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3
To make the base: Beat together the butter and sugar by hand until light and fluffy.
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4
Beat in the yolk until smooth.
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5
Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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6
With a rubber spatula, gently fold into the butter mixture.
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7
The mixture will be crumbly.
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8
Place the dough in the pan and use your hands to pat it down evenly and firmly over the bottom.
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9
Bake for about 25 minutes, until the crust is golden and baked through.
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10
Transfer to a rack and reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
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11
To make the batter: In the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on the lowest speed just until smooth, no more than 30 seconds.
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12
Stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl and beater.
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13
Add the sugar in a stream, mixing for no more than 30 seconds.
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14
Stop and scrape again.
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15
Add 1 cup of sour cream and mix only until it is absorbed, no more than 30 seconds.
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16
Repeat with the remaining sour cream.
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17
Add the eggs 1 at a time, mixing only until each is absorbed; stop and scrape after each addition.
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18
Beat in the vanilla extract.
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19
Wrap heavy-duty aluminum foil around the bottom of the springform pan so it comes at least 1 inch up the sides.
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20
Pour the batter into the pan.
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21
Place the pan in a jellyroll pan or roasting pan and pour warm water into the pan to a depth of 1/2-inch.
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22
Bake the cheesecake for about 55 minutes, or until it is lightly colored and firm except for the very center.
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23
Remove from the oven and lift the cheesecake out of the hot water.
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24
Remove the foil and let cool completely on a rack.
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25
Wrap the cheesecake and chill overnight.
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26
To unmold the cheesecake, run a knife or thin spatula around the inside of the pan pressing the knife against the pan, not the cake.
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27
Unbuckle the pan side and lift off.
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28
Leave the cake on the base, or run a spatula under the cake base and slide the cake onto a platter.
