Ultimate Classic New York Cheesecake: Creamy, Dreamy, and Totally Irresistible

Key Info

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 8-24 hours

Servings: 12-16 slices

Difficulty: Intermediate

Dietary Tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Optional

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch springform pan
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Large mixing bowls
• Measuring tools
• Food processor (or blender)
• Roasting pan
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ sleeves (200g) graham crackers
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ½ cup (113g) butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 ¼ cups (250g) sugar
• 1 cup (245g) sour cream, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• Optional: Lemon zest and juice

Method

1. Prep Like a Pro

Crucial Tip: Bring ALL ingredients to room temperature at least 1 hour before starting.

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).

Line springform pan with parchment paper.

2. Crush That Crust

Pulse graham crackers, salt, and sugar in food processor.

Add melted butter, mix until it looks like wet sand.

Press firmly into pan bottom and slightly up sides.

Bake crust for 10 minutes at 350°F. Cool completely.

3. Mix the Magic Filling

Beat cream cheese on LOW SPEED until silky smooth.

Gradually add sugar, mixing gently.

Incorporate sour cream, vanilla, salt, and optional lemon.

Critical Step: Add eggs ONE AT A TIME, mixing minimally after each.

4. Bake to Perfection

Pour filling over cooled crust.

Wrap pan exterior in foil to prevent water leaks.

Place in roasting pan, fill with hot water halfway up pan sides.

Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes.

5. Cool Like a Cheesecake Champ

Turn oven off, crack door open.

Let cheesecake cool in oven for 1 hour.

Cool at room temp for 2 hours.

Refrigerate MINIMUM 6 HOURS (overnight is best).

Crucial Tips

• Never overbeat the filling – this causes cracks!
• Water bath is non-negotiable for smooth texture.
• Slow cooling prevents splitting.

Storage & Variations

• Refrigerate: Up to 5 days
• Freeze: Up to 3 months
• Variations: Add cocoa, pumpkin, or different extracts

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping room temperature ingredients
• Overmixing the batter
• Opening oven during baking
• Cutting before completely chilled

Pro Chef Secrets

• Use full-fat cream cheese
• Always use a water bath
• Let ingredients truly reach room temp
• Cool slowly and completely

Troubleshooting

• Cracks? Too much air or rapid temperature change
• Soggy Crust? Didn’t pre-bake or sealed pan improperly
• Grainy Texture? Cream cheese was too cold

Nutritional Peek

• High in calcium
• Significant fat and sugar content
• Vegetarian-friendly
• Gluten-free option available with alternate crust

Final Thoughts

This isn’t just a cheesecake. It’s a creamy, dreamy masterpiece that’ll make your taste buds dance and your guests bow in culinary respect. Master this, and you’re basically a dessert deity.

Bon appétit, cheesecake champions! 🍰✨