Description
Classic New York Cheesecake is a rich and creamy dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, velvety cream cheese filling. This ultimate recipe delivers an iconic, perfectly textured cheesecake that’s ideal for special occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cheesecake evenly.
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until all crumbs are moistened. Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even crust layer.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for about 10 minutes. Remove it carefully and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the cream cheese mixture, blending well after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to mix everything evenly.
- Add Flavorings: Gently fold in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and lemon juice until just combined, ensuring a smooth filling without overmixing.
- Pour Filling: Pour the cream cheese filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula for a level surface.
- Bake: Bake the assembled cheesecake for 60-70 minutes or until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and keep the cheesecake inside for one hour to gradually cool and prevent cracking on the surface.
- Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to come to room temperature. Refrigerate it for at least 2 to 4 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve the best texture and flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest filling texture.
- To avoid cracks, do not overbake the cheesecake; slight jiggle in the center is perfect.
- For an extra creamy taste, use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- Allow the cheesecake to chill thoroughly; this helps it set properly and enhances flavor.
- Serving suggestions include fresh berries, fruit compote, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Keywords: New York cheesecake, classic cheesecake recipe, creamy cheesecake, graham cracker crust dessert, baked cheesecake
