Creamy Classic New York Cheesecake
A rich and silky smooth classic New York cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for any occasion and easy to make at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 (8 oz) packages (900g total) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240g) sour cream
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional)
- Optional toppings: fresh berries or berry compote, whipped cream, chocolate ganache or caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake crust for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
- Beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add sugar, then blend in sour cream and vanilla extract. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each. Add flour if using and mix briefly. Avoid overmixing.
- Wrap outside of springform pan with two layers of aluminum foil. Place pan in large roasting pan or deep baking sheet. Pour hot water into roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Pour filling over crust and smooth top. Place roasting pan in oven and bake for 55-65 minutes until edges are set and center jiggles slightly.
- Turn off oven and crack door open. Let cheesecake cool inside oven for 1 hour. Remove from oven and water bath, then cool completely on wire rack.
- Cover and refrigerate cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, run a thin knife around edges to loosen cake from pan. Remove springform and top with desired toppings.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smooth batter. Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks. Bake in a water bath and cool slowly with oven door cracked to maintain texture. Chill overnight for best flavor and texture. Optional toppings can enhance presentation and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of c
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 30
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Protein: 7
Keywords: New York cheesecake, classic cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, homemade cheesecake, easy cheesecake recipe, graham cracker crust