Description
A classic New York cheesecake recipe that yields a rich and creamy dessert, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust
- 2 cups (200g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (115g) melted butter
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
- For the Cheesecake Filling
- 4 packages (900g total) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240g) sour cream, room temperature
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp cornstarch OR 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- For the Water Bath
- Hot water
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9-inch springform pan. Wrap the outside with 3 layers of heavy-duty foil to prevent leaks.
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 10 minutes, then cool.
- Make the Filling: IMPORTANT: Cream cheese must be soft for a smooth, lump-free batter. Beat cream cheese for 2–3 minutes until fluffy. Add sugar and beat again until smooth. Add sour cream, lemon juice, vanilla, and cornstarch. Mix gently. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on LOW. Don’t overmix — this prevents cracks. Pour filling over the crust.
- Bake in a Water Bath: Place the foil-wrapped pan inside a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water around it (halfway up the pan). Bake at 150°C (300°F) for 1 hour 30 minutes. The center should still be slightly jiggly like Jell-O.
- Cool Slowly: Turn off the oven and leave cheesecake inside for 1 hour (door slightly open). Remove and cool completely on the counter. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, but overnight is BEST.
Notes
- Room-temperature ingredients = ultra creamy texture
- Use full-fat cream cheese
- Don’t overbake — jiggle in the middle is perfect
- Overnight chilling is essential
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Classic New York Cheesecake, cheesecake recipe, dessert recipe