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
Scale
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.
