Classic New York Cheesecake Recipe
This rich, creamy New York Cheesecake delivers that iconic dense-yet-silky texture you’d expect from a high-end deli. No fancy tricks – just pure, classic indulgence.
Key Information
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 8-12 hours (including chilling)
- Servings: 12 slices
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Diet: Contains dairy, eggs, gluten
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch springform pan
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Electric mixer (stand or hand)
- Large roasting pan
- Wire cooling rack
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Silicone spatula
Pro Tip: No springform? Use a deep 9-inch cake pan lined with parchment strips for handles.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (180g)
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (70g)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (25g)
- ⅛ tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 4 (8oz) blocks cream cheese, room temperature (904g)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream (120g)
Method
1. Prepare Pan
- Wrap outside of springform pan with foil
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. Make Crust
- Mix graham crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt
- Press firmly into pan bottom
- Bake 10 minutes until set
- Cool completely
3. Make Filling
- Reduce oven to 325°F (165°C)
- Beat cream cheese until smooth (crucial – no lumps!)
- Add sugar and flour, beat until combined
- Mix in vanilla, lemon zest, juice
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently
- Fold in sour cream
4. Bake
- Pour into cooled crust
- Place in roasting pan, add hot water halfway up sides
- Bake 75-90 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly
- Internal temp should reach 150°F (65°C)
Crucial Tips
- Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable
- Don’t overmix after adding eggs
- Never open oven door while baking
- Cool gradually to prevent cracks
- Chill minimum 8 hours before cutting
Storage & Serving
- Refrigerate up to 5 days
- Freeze up to 3 months (wrap well)
- Serve chilled with fresh berries
Common Mistakes
- Opening oven door during baking
- Not using room temperature ingredients
- Overmixing the batter
- Skipping the water bath
- Cutting before properly chilled
Variations
- Add chocolate ganache topping
- Swirl in fruit compote
- Change crust to chocolate cookie
- Top with sour cream layer
Remember: Patience is key with cheesecake. Take your time with each step and you’ll be rewarded with that perfect, crack-free surface and silky-smooth texture that made New York cheesecake famous.
