Description
Classic New York Style Cheesecake featuring a creamy, smooth filling on a rich graham cracker crust. This easy-to-make recipe yields a luscious dessert loved by everyone, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan well to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly and then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake this crust for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
- Beat cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This ensures a lump-free filling.
- Add sugar to cream cheese: Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar to the cream cheese and beat until well combined and smooth.
- Add sour cream and vanilla: Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform and smooth, which adds richness and enhances flavor.
- Incorporate eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to maintain a silky texture without incorporating too much air.
- Pour filling and bake: Pour the creamy filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake the cheesecake for 65 to 75 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool in oven: Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and allow the cheesecake to rest inside for 1 hour. This gentle cooling helps prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate: After the hour in the oven, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to fully set and develop flavor.
- Serve: Before serving, run a knife around the edge to loosen, remove the springform ring, and slice. Enjoy plain or top with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit or sauces.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in batter.
- Do not overbeat eggs to prevent cracks and dense texture.
- Use a springform pan for easy removal and presentation.
- Cooling in the oven before refrigeration helps avoid cracks.
- Can be topped with fruit compote, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: New York Style Cheesecake, Cream Cheese Dessert, Classic Cheesecake, Easy Cheesecake Recipe, Grahams Cracker Crust
