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The Best New York-Style Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 116 reviews

This classic New York-Style Cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust and a rich, creamy filling made from cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs. Baked in a water bath to ensure a smooth, crack-free surface and a perfectly dense texture, this indulgent dessert is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that is both elegant and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups (210g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup (66g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted

Filling

  • 3 8-ounce packages (681g) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup (227g) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
  • 1 and 1/4 cups (249g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (113ml) heavy cream, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly spray a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray and wrap the bottom and sides securely with several layers of heavy-duty, extra-wide aluminum foil to prevent water leakage when using the water bath. Set aside.
  2. Make the Crust Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, salt, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated and hold together when pressed.
  3. Press the Crust: Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared springform pan, creating an even layer. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
  4. Prepare the Filling: In a large food processor bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy, scraping the bowl as needed. Add sugar and vanilla extract and beat to combine.
  5. Add Eggs and Yolks: On the lowest speed, incorporate the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, beating just until combined and scraping the bowl as needed to maintain smoothness.
  6. Incorporate Flour and Cream: Gently fold in the flour using a rubber spatula, then fold in the heavy cream, stirring until just combined and smooth. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  7. Pour Filling into Crust: Pour the batter over the pre-baked crust and smooth the surface with a silicone spatula.
  8. Setup and Bake in Water Bath: Place the springform pan into a large, deep baking pan. Carefully fill the baking pan with about 3 inches of hot water to create a water bath, which helps to prevent cracking and promotes even baking.
  9. Bake the Cheesecake: Carefully place the water bath with the cheesecake into the oven. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes until the edges are set but the center slightly jiggles.
  10. Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly. Let the cheesecake sit undisturbed in the oven water bath for 30 minutes to cool gradually, preventing cracks.
  11. Remove and Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and lift the springform pan out of the water bath. Place on a cooling rack to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight before removing from the pan and serving.

Notes

  • Room temperature ingredients are essential for a smooth batter and to prevent lumps in the filling.
  • Wrapping the springform pan with multiple layers of foil is crucial to avoid water leaking into the crust during the water bath bake.
  • Do not open the oven during baking to maintain steady temperature and prevent the cheesecake from cracking.
  • The water bath helps create a moist environment to prevent cracking and uneven baking.
  • Allow the cheesecake to chill thoroughly before serving to develop the best texture and flavor.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: New York cheesecake, classic cheesecake, graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, baked cheesecake, water bath cheesecake

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/the-best-new-york-style-cheesecake-recipe/