Description

This Rich New York Style Cheesecake is dense, creamy, and indulgent with a classic graham cracker crust and silky filling. Balanced between tangy and sweet, it’s perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat.

Ingredients

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 whole crackers)

2 tablespoons sugar

Pinch of salt

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2½ pounds (five 8-ounce blocks) cream cheese, at room temperature

1¾ cups granulated sugar

¼ cup cornstarch

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 large egg yolks

½ cup heavy cream

½ cup sour cream

Fresh berries or fruit compote (optional)

Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan. Wrap the outside of the pan with a double layer of heavy-duty foil to prevent leaks.
In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter until evenly moistened. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, remove, and let cool slightly. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
Add sugar and cornstarch. Beat again until fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.
Mix in vanilla extract. Add eggs and egg yolks one at a time on low speed, mixing gently to avoid overbeating.
Stir in heavy cream and sour cream until just combined.
Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top.
Place the springform pan into a large roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
Remove cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely on a rack. Once at room temperature, refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Before serving, release the cheesecake from the springform pan. Garnish with fresh berries, fruit compote, or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Use a water bath to prevent cracks and ensure even baking.
Do not overbeat the filling to avoid incorporating too much air.
Chilling overnight improves flavor and texture.
For clean slices, use a hot knife and wipe clean between cuts.
Cheesecake freezes well—wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 510
Sugar: 29g
Sodium: 310mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 23g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 160mg