By Bring Classic New York Cheesecake to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Classic New York Cheesecake captures the essence of desserts|cakes while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Classic New York Cheesecake becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
Crust:
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
⅛ teaspoon salt
Filling:
32 oz (four 8-oz blocks) cream cheese, at room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon packed lemon zest
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt
6 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
PREPARATION STEPS
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Wrap a 9- or 10-inch springform pan with two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil, covering the bottom and sides. Spray the inside with nonstick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Stir until well combined.
Press the mixture into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake for 10 minutes, until set. Remove from the oven and set aside. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
Make the Filling:
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine cream cheese, sugar, and flour. Beat on medium speed until just smooth, about 1 minute. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Add vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt; beat on low speed until just combined.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Scrape the bowl as necessary.
Mix in sour cream until the batter is uniform but do not over-mix.
Assemble and Bake:
Pour the batter over the crust in the springform pan.
Place the springform pan inside a large roasting pan. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it comes about one inch up the side of the springform pan.
Bake at 325°F (163°C) until the cake is just set, 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes. The cake should not look liquidy but will wobble slightly when nudged; it will continue to cook as it cools.
Cool and Serve:
Carefully remove the roasting pan from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Cool the cheesecake in the water bath until the water is just warm, about 45 minutes.
Remove the springform pan from the water bath, discard the foil, and transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator to cool for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Remove the sides of the springform pan. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between slices.
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
