New York Style Cheesecake Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. New York Style Cheesecake delivers dense creamy texture from 32 ounces full-fat cream cheese over buttery graham cracker crust with subtle lemon brightness. This iconic dessert serves 12-16 in 90 minutes baking plus overnight chill.

Why This Recipe Works

Full-fat Philadelphia blocks create signature velvety density. Cornstarch stabilizes preventing cracks without watery texture. Room temperature ingredients whip smoothly eliminating lumps. Sour cream topping balances richness with tangy lift. Water bath ensures even cooking gentle heat.

Ingredients & Prep

Crust: 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted. Filling: 32 oz cream cheese 4 blocks softened, 1½ cups granulated sugar, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 4 large eggs room temperature, 1 cup sour cream room temperature, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp lemon juice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat oven 325°F. Wrap 9-inch springform pan triple layer heavy-duty foil. Mix graham crumbs, sugar, melted butter; press firmly into pan bottom. Bake 10 minutes; cool. Beat cream cheese smooth 2 minutes. Add sugar + cornstarch; beat 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time mixing low speed just combined. Mix sour cream, vanilla, lemon zest, juice. Pour over crust. Place springform in roasting pan; fill roasting pan halfway with boiling water. Bake 70-80 minutes until edges set center 2-inch jiggles. Turn oven off; crack door; cool 1 hour in oven. Chill overnight.

New York Style Cheesecake Recipe

Flavor Variations

Variation KeyAdd/SwapResulting Twist
Chocolate Marble4 oz melted chocolate swirledDecadent swirl
Pumpkin SpicePumpkin puree + spicesAutumn classic
Strawberry SwirlStrawberry jam ribbonsFruit forward
Turtle PecanCaramel + pecans + chocolateCandy shop

Storage Tips

Refrigerate airtight 7 days. Freeze individual slices 3 months. Excellent make-ahead holiday dessert.

FAQs

Cracks appearing? Water bath + room temperature ingredients + don’t overbeat eggs. Soggy crust? Triple-wrap foil + dry towels roasting pan bottom. Too dense? Beat cream cheese first 5 minutes eliminating lumps.

Conclusion

New York Style Cheesecake achieves bakery perfection through patient technique dense, creamy, timeless elegance.

Print

New York Style Cheesecake Recipe

Classic New York Style Cheesecake delivers ultra-creamy, dense texture with buttery graham crust. Perfect tall slice showcases velvety filling perfect for dinner parties, holidays, and Pinterest cheesecake boards that get massive saves.

  • Author: ssam
  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 90 mins
  • Total Time: 12 hours
  • Yield: 14 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • Crust:
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (14 full sheets)
  • ⅛ tsp kosher salt
  • 10 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  •  
  • Filling:
  • 32 oz (4 blocks) full-fat cream cheese (room temp)
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs (room temp)
  • 1 large egg yolk (room temp)
  • ¾ cup sour cream (full fat, room temp)
  •  
  • Topping (optional):
  • Sour cream, sugar, vanilla glaze
  • Fresh berries or strawberry sauce
  •  

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat oven 325°F. Wrap 9″ springform pan exterior tightly in 3 layers heavy-duty foil.
  • 2. Mix graham crumbs, sugar, salt. Stir in melted butter until sandy texture.
  • 3. Press firmly into pan bottom and 1″ up sides. Bake 10 mins. Cool 15 mins.
  • 4. Beat cream cheese 30 seconds until smooth. Add sugar, cornstarch. Beat 2 mins.
  • 5. Mix in lemon juice, vanilla. Add eggs one-by-one, scraping bowl after each.
  • 6. Beat in sour cream until just combined. Pour into crust.
  • 7. Place springform in roasting pan. Add boiling water halfway up pan sides.
  • 8. Bake 75-90 mins until center 3″ jiggles slightly, edges set. Turn off oven.
  • 9. Crack door 1″. Cool in oven 1 hour. Remove water bath. Cool room temp.
  • 10. Chill minimum 8 hours (overnight best). Run thin knife around edges before slicing.

Notes

  • Room temp ingredients = NO cracks. Plan ahead.
  • Cornstarch prevents graininess, better than flour.
  • Water bath essential for creamy texture (triple wrap foil!).
  • 3-hour cool = perfect texture. Patience rewarded.
  • Freezes beautifully up to 2 months. Thaw overnight fridge.
  • Philadelphia cream cheese = gold standard.
  • Slice with hot knife for clean cuts.
  • Strawberry sauce = classic NY pairing.
  • Serves 12-16. Showstopper dessert guaranteed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 27g
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Fat: 37g
  • Saturated Fat: 21g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 165mg

Keywords: new york cheesecake, classic cheesecake recipe, no crack cheesecake, authentic ny cheesecake, restaurant style cheesecake

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