New York Cheesecake (Printable Version)

Rich, creamy baked cheesecake with dense texture and classic graham cracker crust. A luxurious American dessert perfect for special occasions.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Crust

01 - 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 7 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
04 - Pinch of salt

→ For the Filling

05 - 2 lbs full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
08 - 3 large eggs, at room temperature
09 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
10 - 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
11 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
12 - 1/4 tsp salt

→ For the Topping (optional)

13 - 1 cup sour cream
14 - 2 tbsp powdered sugar
15 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the base with parchment paper.
02 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Mix until texture resembles wet sand.
03 - Press mixture firmly into bottom of prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
04 - Beat cream cheese in large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add sugar and continue beating until well combined.
05 - Mix in sour cream, vanilla, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt until just incorporated.
06 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed and scraping bowl after each addition. Do not overmix.
07 - Pour filling over cooled crust and smooth top with spatula.
08 - Place pan in larger roasting pan and pour hot water into outer pan to create water bath, reaching halfway up sides of springform pan.
09 - Bake for 55-65 minutes, until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly.
10 - Turn off oven, crack door open, and let cheesecake cool in oven for 1 hour.
11 - Remove from oven, run knife around edge, and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
12 - Mix sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Spread over chilled cheesecake.
13 - Slice with hot, clean knife and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This cheesecake creates the kind of silence at a dinner table when people take their first bite and forget to speak
  • The dense, velvety texture comes from generations of perfected proportions, not shortcuts
  • Once you master this, you will be the person everyone begs to bring dessert for every gathering
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are not optional, they are the difference between smooth filling and a grainy disappointment
  • The water bath might seem like extra work but it is what prevents the top from cracking and keeps the texture impossibly creamy
  • That wobble in the center when you take it out of the oven is your friend, not a sign it is underbaked
03 -
  • Wrap the outside of your springform pan with aluminum foil before placing it in the water bath to prevent any water from seeping in
  • Run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each slice for those picture perfect cuts
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