16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream or 1 cup sour cream
2 large eggs, if baking the cheesecake
1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional
Pinch of salt
Beat cream cheese until smooth
Add sugar and salt, then mix until creamy
Mix in vanilla and lemon juice
Add eggs one at a time if using
Fold in heavy cream or sour cream
Mix until smooth and well combined
Use immediately or chill before filling the crust