Description
Indulge in the creamy decadence of a Classic New York-Style Cheesecake, crafted with a rich, velvety filling and a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for any occasion, this timeless dessert is easy to customize with your favorite toppings, from fresh berries to chocolate ganache. Learn how to achieve that smooth texture and irresistible flavor in this foolproof recipe.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 ½ lbs (five 8-ounce packages) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 7 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan, covering the bottom and 1 inch up the sides.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then cool to room temperature.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- Increase oven temperature to 450°F (230°C).
- Beat cream cheese and sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy (about 5 minutes). Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Reduce speed to medium; add eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Mix in sour cream and vanilla until just combined.
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the batter over the cooled crust.
- Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan and add hot water until halfway up the sides (water bath).
- Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 225°F (110°C). Continue baking for 1 hour 5–15 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate overnight.
Serve:
- Loosen the edges with a knife, release the springform, and transfer to a serving platter.
- Serve plain or with desired toppings like fruit sauces, berries, or chocolate ganache.
Notes
- Cracking Prevention: Always use a water bath and avoid overmixing.
- Make-Ahead: Cheesecake is best when chilled overnight, making it a perfect dessert to prepare in advance.
- Toppings: Options like caramel, fresh fruit, or whipped cream can elevate this classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American