Combine all crust ingredients and press into and 8-inch spring form pan, set aside.
Blend 1 and 1/2 cups of sugar and all cream cheese in a mixer, add salt. Beat until creamy and all lumps are out but don't overbeat.
Add eggs, one at a time until they are just combined.
Add vanilla.
Make sure the mixture is lump free and smooth.
Pour into an 8-inch spring form pan.
Bake 50 minutes at 350 degrees.
Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes. Combine topping ingredients and pour over cheesecake.
Return cheesecake to the oven set to 425 degrees for 10 minutes.
Cool completely about 2 hours before refrigerating.
Refrigerate 8 hours before slicing.
Notes
To prevent the cheesecake from cracking, I recommend adding a 'water bath' to the oven when cooking. Simply add about 2 inches of water to a casserole dish or baking pan and place it on the lowest rack in your oven. Place the cheesecake in the center rack above the cheesecake. Bake according to directions.