Description
This Classic New York Cheesecake recipe delivers the ultimate creamy and rich dessert experience. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, velvety cream cheese filling, this cheesecake is baked to perfection with a delicate balance of sweetness and tang from sour cream. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent treat any time, it yields 8-10 luscious slices that melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- â…“ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it is at the perfect temperature for baking the cheesecake evenly.
- Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter until the mixture is well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool.
- Make Filling Base: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until it becomes smooth and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes, to remove any lumps and ensure a silky texture.
- Add Flavorings: Incorporate 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the cream cheese, mixing until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter and to prevent sourness or curdling.
- Incorporate Sour Cream and Flour: Mix in 1 cup of sour cream and ¼ cup of all-purpose flour until the filling is completely smooth and uniform in texture.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Gently tap the pan on the countertop to release any trapped air bubbles for a flawless finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when the pan is gently shaken. This ensures a creamy interior.
- Cool: After baking, leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open and allow it to cool slowly for 1 hour to prevent cracks and help it set gently.
- Chill: Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to fully set and develop rich flavors.
- Remove from Pan: Before serving, run a knife around the edges of the springform pan to loosen the cheesecake, then carefully remove the sides of the pan.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Do not overbeat the filling once the eggs are added to avoid incorporating too much air which can cause cracking.
- Using a water bath is optional but can help prevent cracks and promote even baking.
- The cheesecake improves in flavor and texture after chilling overnight.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.