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Creamy New York Style Cheesecake

New York style cheesecake recipe - featured image

A rich, silky smooth New York style cheesecake with a perfectly golden graham cracker crust, balanced with a hint of vanilla and lemon zest. This recipe delivers the classic tangy richness and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 32 oz (900 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat sour cream
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp freshly grated lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp (15 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool.
  2. Make the batter: Beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and beat until combined. Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Beat in eggs one at a time on low speed, mixing gently. Sift in flour and fold gently to combine without overmixing.
  3. Assemble and bake: Pour batter over cooled crust and smooth the top. Place springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into roasting pan halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 55-65 minutes until the center jiggles slightly.
  4. Cool and chill: Turn off oven, crack door open, and cool cheesecake inside for about 1 hour. Remove from water bath, dry, and chill in refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  5. Release and serve: Run a knife around edges before unlocking springform pan. Slice with a sharp knife dipped in warm water, wiping between cuts for clean slices.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for smooth batter. Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks. Always use a water bath to keep cheesecake moist and crack-free. Cool slowly in the oven before chilling. Warm knife under hot water and wipe between slices for clean cuts. For gluten-free crust, substitute graham crackers with almond flour crust. Dairy-free options available using vegan cream cheese and coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: New York cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, classic cheesecake, dessert, easy cheesecake recipe, graham cracker crust, rich cheesecake