The BEST Cheesecake Recipe (New York Style)

When it comes to classic desserts, New York-style cheesecake stands out as a timeless favorite. Known for its rich, velvety texture and decadent flavor, this cheesecake is the epitome of indulgence. Perfectly balanced with a sweet and tangy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust, this recipe will guide you through creating the best cheesecake ever, with a flawless texture and delightful taste that will impress anyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Classic New York Cheesecake Flavor

This cheesecake recipe brings you the iconic flavor and texture that New York-style cheesecakes are known for. It’s rich and creamy, yet still light and airy thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients.

2. Creamy and Smooth Texture

With a mix of full-fat cream cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream, the texture is incredibly smooth, providing that melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s the hallmark of a great cheesecake.

3. Perfectly Balanced Sweetness

The combination of granulated sugar and a touch of lemon juice ensures that the cheesecake has the perfect amount of sweetness and tang, making each bite satisfying without being overly sugary.

4. Golden, Buttery Graham Cracker Crust

The buttery graham cracker crust is the perfect complement to the creamy filling. It adds a slight crunch and a subtle sweetness that balances out the richness of the cheesecake.

5. Ideal for Any Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a dinner party, or just indulging in a sweet treat, this New York-style cheesecake is perfect for any event. It’s elegant, simple to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 190g graham crackers
• 35g sugar
• 75g melted unsalted butter

For the Filling:

• 32 oz full-fat cream cheese (4 blocks of 8 oz)
• 325g granulated sugar (about 1 ½ cups)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 4 large eggs
• 120g heavy cream (½ cup)
• 240g sour cream (1 cup)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice

For Decoration (optional):

• Extra heavy cream for decoration

Variations

• Fruit Topping: Add fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, on top of your cheesecake for a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Chocolate Cheesecake: For a chocolate twist, melt 100g of dark or milk chocolate and fold it into the cheesecake filling before baking.
• Lemon Cheesecake: Increase the lemon juice to 4 tablespoons for a more pronounced lemon flavor in the filling. You can also zest a lemon and add it to the filling for extra freshness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can do this in a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated and forms a crumbly texture.
4. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure to pack it tightly.
5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla essence. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the heavy cream, sour cream, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Slowly add this mixture into the cream cheese mixture, beating on low speed until everything is well incorporated.
5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust in the springform pan.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still be slightly wobbly.
2. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracks from forming.
3. After the hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
4. Once cooled, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set fully.

Step 4: Serve

1. Before serving, whip some extra heavy cream and pipe it on top of the cheesecake for decoration, if desired.
2. Slice the cheesecake with a sharp knife, wiping it clean after each cut for neat slices.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps them blend together more easily and results in a smoother texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Filling: Overmixing the cheesecake filling can lead to air bubbles, which may cause cracks during baking. Mix until just combined for the best results.
• Water Bath Option: If you want to ensure a super smooth and crack-free cheesecake, consider baking the cheesecake in a water bath. To do this, wrap the bottom of your springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in, and place the pan in a larger pan filled with about 1-inch of hot water.
• Chill the Cheesecake: Allow the cheesecake to chill for several hours or overnight for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

New York-style cheesecake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with fresh fruit, fruit compote, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfectly indulgent dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 5 days.

Freezing

You can freeze cheesecake for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the cooled cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can use other types of crust such as an Oreo cookie crust, graham cracker crust with nuts, or even a gluten-free crust.

2. How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the filling, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven after baking. You can also use a water bath for extra protection.

3. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. In fact, cheesecake tastes better the next day after it has had time to set.

4. Can I freeze this cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake after it has cooled completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

5. How do I prevent the cheesecake from being too sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet cheesecake, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling by ¼ cup. The tangy sour cream and lemon juice will help balance the sweetness.

6. Can I add fruit to the cheesecake filling?

Yes, you can fold in fruit such as berries, or swirl fruit puree into the filling before baking.

7. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

While full-fat cream cheese provides the best flavor and texture, you can substitute with low-fat cream cheese if you prefer. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly different.

8. Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?

Yes, you can use a regular round cake pan, but a springform pan is preferred because it makes it easier to remove the cheesecake.

9. Can I top my cheesecake with something other than whipped cream?

Yes, you can top your cheesecake with fresh fruit, fruit compote, chocolate ganache, or caramel sauce for a different flavor.

10. How do I slice the cheesecake neatly?

Use a sharp knife and dip it in hot water before slicing. Wipe the knife clean after each slice to maintain neat edges.

Conclusion

This New York-style cheesecake is the ultimate indulgence for cheesecake lovers. With a creamy, smooth filling and a perfect graham cracker crust, this recipe will deliver the best cheesecake experience. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or a casual get-together, it’s sure to impress everyone who tries it.

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