Preheat oven to 350°F. Place a roasting pan with 2 inches of water on a rack set on the bottom shelf to heat while the oven preheats. Grease a 9-inch springform pan, then wrap the outside of the pan in two layers of aluminum foil; set aside.
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared springform pan.
1½ cups crushed graham crackers, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese with the sugar until just smooth. Add the milk, then mix in the eggs one at a time, mixing until just incorporated. Stir in the sour cream, vanilla, lemon juice and zest, and flour until smooth. Pour filling into the prepared crust.
32 ounces cream cheese, 1½ cups granulated sugar, ¾ cup milk, 4 large eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract, 1 lemon, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Bake for 1 hour on a rack in the middle of the oven. Turn the oven off and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door closed for at least 2-3 hours to prevent cracking. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve, topping with cherry filling if desired.
10 ounces cherry pie filling