If you have a hankering for a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and simply unforgettable, this Classic New York-Style Cheesecake Recipe will quickly become your go-to. With its dense yet silky texture and a slightly tangy sweetness, it’s the ultimate indulgence that brings a taste of New York’s finest bakeries right to your kitchen. The perfect balance of a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious cream cheese filling makes each bite a comforting celebration. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply because cheesecake is life, this recipe will not disappoint.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the perfect Classic New York-Style Cheesecake Recipe relies on a handful of simple, quality ingredients that work together to create buttery, creamy perfection. Each element plays a key role, from the crunch of the graham cracker crust to the velvety smooth filling.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 ½ cups): Provides a sweet, crunchy base that complements the rich filling wonderfully.
- Unsalted butter, melted (6 tablespoons): Binds the crust together with a golden richness without overpowering the taste.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon for crust, 1 ½ cups for filling): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to both crust and cheesecake filling.
- Cream cheese (2 ½ pounds, room temperature): The star ingredient delivering that signature dense, creamy texture essential for a true New York-style cheesecake.
- Sour cream (¼ cup): Adds a subtle tang and smoothness that balances the richness of the cream cheese.
- Large eggs (7, room temperature): Helps bind the filling and gives the cheesecake structure while keeping it smooth.
- Vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Infuses a warm, comforting aroma and depth of flavor.
How to Make Classic New York-Style Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine your graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir this mixture until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create a solid base. Pop it into the oven for about 10 minutes to set – this helps the crust hold its shape against the luscious filling.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
While the crust is cooling slightly, it’s time to make the filling. Using a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy without lumps. Gradually add 1 ½ cups sugar, and mix until fully incorporated. Blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract, which will add subtle tanginess and a lovely depth of flavor. Finally, add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition. Overmixing can cause cracks later, so be gentle but thorough.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the creamy filling over the baked crust in your springform pan and gently spread the surface for an even top. Place your pan on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 20 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center will still have a slight wobble – that’s the sign of a perfectly baked cheesecake. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as sudden temperature changes can cause cracking.
Step 4: Cool and Chill
Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly, letting the cheesecake cool inside for about an hour. This gradual cooling prevents cracks and preserves moisture. Afterward, remove it from the oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen it from the pan, helping it to cool more evenly. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve Classic New York-Style Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
While the Classic New York-Style Cheesecake Recipe is stunning on its own, a few thoughtful garnishes take it to the next level. Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add tart brightness and vibrant color. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of homemade fruit sauce complements the creamy richness beautifully. For a touch of indulgence, consider a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted almonds.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments that won’t overpower its delicate flavor. A simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette serves as a refreshing contrast when cheesecake is part of a multi-course meal. Alternatively, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of dessert wine like a late-harvest Riesling offers a perfect balance to the creamy dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For an exciting twist, try serving individual cheesecake slices in clear glasses layered with fruit compote and crushed graham crackers for a pretty parfait effect. Another fun way is to top mini cheesecake bites with edible flowers, offering a charming and elegant visual appeal. Whatever presentation you choose, the Classic New York-Style Cheesecake Recipe shines as a show-stopping treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once you have slices or the whole cheesecake leftover, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the cheesecake will stay fresh and creamy for up to five days. Keeping it chilled preserves its texture and prevents it from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save your cheesecake for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Stored this way, the cheesecake can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Typically, cheesecake is best served chilled and is not traditionally reheated. However, if you prefer it slightly warmed, place your slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to heat it too long or it might lose its creamy texture and firmness.
FAQs
What makes a New York-style cheesecake different from other cheesecakes?
New York-style cheesecake is known for its dense, creamy, and rich texture. It typically uses a large amount of cream cheese and eggs, sometimes with sour cream or heavy cream, to create a thick, smooth, and luxurious filling, often with a simple graham cracker crust.
Can I use a different crust than graham crackers?
Absolutely! You can swap the graham cracker crust for a digestive biscuit crust, chocolate cookie crust, or even a nut-based crust. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly from the classic recipe.
Why do I need to use room temperature eggs and cream cheese?
Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create a smoother filling without lumps. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to be uneven and can trap air, which increases the risk of cracks during baking.
How do I prevent cracks on the surface of my cheesecake?
To avoid cracks, bake at the correct temperature and avoid overmixing. Using a water bath or gently cooling the cheesecake gradually in the oven with the door slightly open, as in this recipe, also helps prevent cracks by regulating the temperature.
Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookies or gluten-free graham crackers, and ensure all other ingredients fit your dietary needs. The filling is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of biting into a perfectly creamy slice of homemade Classic New York-Style Cheesecake Recipe. With just a handful of simple, quality ingredients and a little patience, you can create a dessert that impresses friends and family alike. It’s a timeless recipe that’s truly worth savoring, so don’t hesitate — gather your ingredients, get baking, and treat yourself to a slice of cheesecake heaven.
Print
Classic New York-Style Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic New York-Style Cheesecake features a rich, creamy texture with a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfectly balanced sweetness and velvety cream cheese filling make it a timeless dessert for special occasions or any day you crave indulgence.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Filling
- 2 ½ pounds (5 blocks, 8 oz each) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 7 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the 1 ½ cups sugar and continue beating until well combined and silky.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until integrated. Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed just until each egg is incorporated. Avoid overmixing to prevent excess air from getting into the batter and cracking the cheesecake.
- Bake the cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust in the springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles when you gently shake the pan. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for one hour to cool slowly, which helps prevent cracking. Remove and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
- Do not overbeat the eggs to avoid cracks.
- Slow cooling helps prevent cracking.
- Chill cheesecake thoroughly for best texture and flavor.
- Serve plain or topped with fresh berries or fruit sauce.
