Description
This Classic New York Cheesecake recipe features a rich and creamy cream cheese filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Baked to perfection, it offers a smooth texture with a slight jiggle in the center, making it the quintessential dessert for cheesecake lovers. The recipe includes easy-to-follow steps ensuring a perfectly set cheesecake with a velvety finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the crust and cheesecake.
- Prepare Pan: Grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with butter to prevent sticking.
- Make Crust Mixture: Combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar in a medium bowl.
- Add Butter to Crust: Stir melted butter into the crumb-sugar mixture until fully incorporated.
- Form Crust: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to create a crust layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and allow it to cool.
- Beat Cream Cheese: Using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy in a large bowl.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add granulated sugar to the cream cheese, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in vanilla extract until just combined.
- Add Sour Cream and Heavy Cream: Beat in sour cream and heavy cream until the mixture is uniform and creamy.
- Add Eggs: Crack eggs into a separate bowl, then add them one at a time to the mixture, beating well after each addition for proper incorporation.
- Add Flour: Mix in all-purpose flour carefully to fully combine, avoiding overmixing to maintain texture.
- Pour Batter: Pour the cream cheese batter over the cooled graham cracker crust in the springform pan.
- Smooth Batter: Use a spatula to level the top of the batter evenly.
- Remove Air Bubbles: Gently tap the pan on the countertop to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles when gently shaken.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for 1 hour to gradually cool and prevent cracking.
- Room Temperature Cooling: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature for approximately 2 hours.
- Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and develop flavor.
- Serve: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, transfer to a serving platter, slice with a sharp knife, and serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth batter and to avoid lumps.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to prevent a dense cheesecake.
- Allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven helps prevent cracking on the surface.
- Chilling the cheesecake overnight enhances flavor and texture.
- Use a sharp knife and warm it slightly before slicing for clean cuts.
