Few desserts can compete with the elegance and rich flavor of a classic New York-style cheesecake. With its creamy, velvety filling and buttery graham cracker crust, this cheesecake is a true showstopper. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this dessert delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that will leave everyone craving more.

Cheesecake has a long-standing reputation as a dessert of choice for gatherings and holidays. This recipe captures the traditional charm of New York-style cheesecake, offering a dense yet smooth texture that melts in your mouth. With straightforward steps and classic ingredients, you can easily recreate this masterpiece at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Rich and Creamy Texture: Each bite is decadently smooth, with a slight tang from the cream cheese and sour cream.
• Timeless Flavor: Perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of vanilla.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A hit at any event, from birthdays to dinner parties.
• Make-Ahead Dessert: This cheesecake needs to chill before serving, making it perfect for prepping in advance.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

How to Make Classic New York-Style Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or non-stick spray.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened and have the texture of wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, creating an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to smooth it out. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until each egg is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can introduce air bubbles that may cause cracks in your cheesecake.
Fold in the sour cream and flour gently until just combined. These ingredients help to stabilize the filling and add a luxurious creaminess.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips, then bake in the preheated oven for 55–60 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight wobble.

Step 4: Cool Gradually

Turn off the oven, but leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar. Allow it to cool in the oven for 1 hour—this helps prevent cracks by letting it cool slowly.
Once cooled, remove the cheesecake from the oven and run a knife around the edge to loosen it from the pan. This step prevents the cake from sticking as it cools further. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

When ready to serve, carefully release the sides of the springform pan and transfer the cheesecake to a serving platter. Slice into wedges and enjoy plain or with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Helpful Tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smooth batter. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy texture.
• Prevent Cracks: Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can incorporate too much air. Additionally, cooling the cheesecake gradually helps to prevent cracks.
• Water Bath Option: For an ultra-smooth texture, bake the cheesecake in a water bath by wrapping the springform pan in foil and placing it in a larger pan filled with an inch of hot water.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour (plus cooling)
• Total Time: 5–6 hours (including chilling)
• Yield: 12 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Notes:

• For a firmer crust, pre-bake the graham cracker crust for 10 minutes at 325°F before adding the filling.
• The cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it covered to maintain freshness.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice):

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 0g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze cheesecake?
Yes! Cheesecake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?
A deep cake pan can work in a pinch, but you’ll need to line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

How can I tell when my cheesecake is done baking?
The edges should be set, and the center should jiggle slightly when the pan is gently shaken. It will firm up as it cools.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this cheesecake, you might also love:

• Decadent Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
• Heavenly Apple Crisp Cheesecake – A Sweet Fall Delight!
• Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Conclusion

This Classic New York-Style Cheesecake recipe is as timeless as it is delicious. Its rich, creamy filling and buttery graham cracker crust make it the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and produces stunning results every time.

Serve it plain for a traditional touch or dress it up with your favorite toppings—either way, it’s sure to impress. So, preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and treat yourself to a slice of this indulgent classic!

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