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Classic New York Cheesecake: The Ultimate Creamy Delight Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 27 reviews
  • Author: Melanie
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Total Time: 6 hours
  • Yield: 12 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Classic New York Cheesecake is the ultimate creamy delight, featuring a rich and smooth cream cheese filling on a buttery graham cracker crust. This baked dessert is elegantly simple yet indulgent, perfect for celebrations or a special treat. The cheesecake is baked in a water bath to ensure a crack-free, velvety texture and can be topped with fresh berries or fruit compote for added freshness and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling

  • 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup whole milk

Optional Topping

  • Fresh berries or fruit compote

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan to form the crust. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and allow it to cool completely.
  2. Make the Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy with no lumps. Gradually add the sugar, mixing well to combine. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour, blending until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully but avoiding overmixing. Stir in the milk gently until the batter is uniform and smooth, taking care not to overbeat which can cause cracks.
  3. Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Place the pan in a larger baking dish and fill the outer dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the springform pan to create a water bath. This technique helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevents cracking.
  4. Bake the Cheesecake: Bake at 325°F for 60 to 70 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly to the touch. After baking, turn off the oven and crack the door open, leaving the cheesecake inside to cool gradually for 1 hour.
  5. Chill and Serve: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath. Refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to firm up completely. Before serving, optionally top with fresh berries or a fruit compote for added flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, lump-free filling.
  • Do not overmix the batter to prevent cracks in the cheesecake surface.
  • The water bath is crucial for gentle, even baking and to avoid cracking.
  • Cheesecake freezes well; wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

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Find it online: https://flavorfestkitchen.com/classic-new-york-cheesecake-the-ultimate-creamy-delight-recipe/