Description
Create a creamy, dense, and truly classic New York cheesecake that will transport you straight to the heart of the city. This recipe is designed for home bakers, making that iconic dessert achievable and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent leaks.
- In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add 1 ½ cups sugar and flour, mixing until just combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Gently stir in the sour cream until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the filling over the prepared crust.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Cover the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
Notes
- For an extra creamy texture, ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the eggs, as this can introduce too much air and cause cracks.
- A water bath can help ensure even baking and prevent cracks, but it’s not strictly necessary for this recipe.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg