Best Easy New York Cheesecake Recipe

Dense, creamy New York cheesecake with a graham cracker crust is an iconic American dessert known worldwide. This rich, velvety classic is a must-have for family celebrations and special occasions.

Cook 240 min Difficulty NORMAL 380 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • cream cheese 32 oz
  • sour cream 1 cup
  • large eggs 4 pieces
  • graham cracker crumbs 1.5 cups
  • unsalted butter 6 tbsp
  • white sugar 1.25 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • vanilla extract 2 tsp
  • lemon zest 1 tsp
  • kosher salt 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 32 g 34%
Protein 7 g 7%
Fat 25 g 59%
Serving size 130g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and set a rack in the lower middle position for even heat control.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted unsalted butter until evenly moistened; press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.

  3. 3

    Beat the softened cream cheese with white sugar on medium speed until perfectly smooth and silky, scraping down the bowl to prevent lumps.

  4. 4

    Blend in sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and kosher salt until fully incorporated; add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed and ensuring each egg is fully blended before adding the next to avoid air pockets.

  5. 5

    Pour the batter onto the crust, smooth the top, then bake in a water bath at 325°F for 60-70 minutes; the center should jiggle slightly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracks.

  6. 6

    Remove the cheesecake and cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (optimally overnight) before unmolding and serving for best texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this New York cheesecake recipe?
The essential ingredient is rich cream cheese, which creates the signature dense and creamy texture and classic tang. Supporting flavors like vanilla extract, sour cream, and lemon zest enhance the depth, but cream cheese is fundamental to authentic New York cheesecake.
Q. How do I prevent cracking when baking the cheesecake?
To minimize cracking, bake the cheesecake in a water bath for gentle heat and turn off the oven at the end, cracking the door and allowing gradual cooling for an hour. This even transition prevents sudden temperature drops, which often cause cracks.
Q. How can I ensure my cheesecake is not overbaked or dry?
Bake until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly. Allow the cheesecake to finish setting as it cools in the turned-off oven. Avoid overmixing the batter and monitor closely—overbaking leads to dryness and loss of creaminess.
Q. How many calories are in one serving, and what is the fat-to-carb ratio?
Each serving contains approximately 380 kcal, with 25g fat (59%), 32g carbs (34%), and 7g protein (7%). The fat-to-carb caloric ratio highlights its classic richness, making it indulgent as traditional cheesecakes are meant to be.
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