New York Cheesecake
Introduction
New York Cheesecake is one of the most iconic American desserts ever created. Known for its dense, creamy, and ultra-smooth texture, this cheesecake became popular because of its rich use of cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs. A true New York–style cheesecake is baked slowly, cooled gently, and served chilled so it holds that classic velvety smoothness. This recipe gives you the full bakery-style version with the traditional graham cracker crust and the famous thick filling that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Crust
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
4 packets cream cheese, 8 ounces each, room temperature
2 cups sour cream, room temperature
5 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping (optional)
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the crust by mixing graham crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or a flat cup to pack it tightly.
Preheat the oven to 160°C or 325°F.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until perfectly smooth with no lumps. Add sugar and continue mixing. Add sour cream, lemon juice, vanilla, salt, and cornstarch. Mix until creamy but do not overbeat.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to keep the batter airy and smooth.
Pour the filling into the prepared pan. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles.
Create a water bath by placing the cheesecake pan inside a larger roasting pan. Add hot water to the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the side of the cheesecake pan.
Bake for 70 to 90 minutes until the edges are set but the center has a slight wobble.
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for one hour with the door slightly open to prevent cracks.
Remove from oven, cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.
If using the sour cream topping, mix sour cream, sugar, and vanilla, spread on top once chilled.
Methods
Use only room-temperature dairy ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.
Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent cracking.
Bake using a water bath to keep the cheesecake moist.
Do not open the oven during baking. Sudden temperature changes cause cracks.
Chill completely before slicing to achieve clean, perfect cuts.
History
New York Cheesecake became famous in the early 1900s when cream cheese was introduced as a commercial product. Restaurants in New York, especially Jewish delis, began serving rich cheesecakes that quickly gained popularity. Famous establishments like Lindy’s and Junior’s helped transform this dessert into an American classic. The key difference between New York cheesecake and others is the heavy use of cream cheese and sometimes heavy cream or sour cream for extra density and richness.
Benefits
Creamy and satisfying dessert for special celebrations.
High protein content from eggs and cream cheese.
Can be customized with fruit toppings, chocolate, caramel, or sauces.
Stores well and tastes even better after chilling.
Formation
The structure of New York cheesecake comes from a balance of eggs, cream cheese, and controlled slow baking. Eggs bind the mixture, sour cream keeps it soft and silky, and cream cheese gives it its signature density.
Nutrition (approximate per slice)
Calories: 450
Protein: 8g
Fat: 34g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 24g
Conclusion
New York Cheesecake is a legendary dessert for a reason. Its thick, velvety texture and mellow sweetness make it a dessert that never goes out of style. With slow baking, careful cooling, and patience, you can create a restaurant-quality cheesecake right at home.
Lovers
This cheesecake is adored by dessert lovers who enjoy rich, smooth, indulgent sweets. It is a favorite at birthdays, holiday dinners, weddings, and special family gatherings. Cheesecake lovers appreciate its simplicity, elegance, and versatility.