Description
Rich, creamy, and classic, this New York Style Cheesecake is the ultimate indulgence. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a velvety filling, it’s baked low and slow in a water bath to ensure a silky-smooth texture every time. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or your next dessert craving.
Ingredients
12 full graham cracker sheets, crushed
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
32 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons lemon zest (optional)
1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with foil.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly combined. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
3. In a mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix until well blended.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Scrape the sides of the bowl.
5. Stir in lemon zest (if using) and heavy cream until smooth.
6. Pour filling over crust. Tap pan to release air bubbles.
7. Place springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Fill with hot water halfway up the sides.
8. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes or until center slightly jiggles.
9. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake rest inside for 1 hour.
10. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
11. Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts. Serve plain or with toppings.
Notes
Always use full-fat block cream cheese, not the spreadable kind, for the right texture.
Avoid over-mixing the batter to prevent air bubbles and cracking.
For best flavor, let the cheesecake chill overnight before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: New York Style Cheesecake, baked cheesecake, classic cheesecake