When it comes to cheesecake, New York-style is in a class all its own. With its towering height, ultra-dense and creamy texture, and signature tang, this beloved dessert is the gold standard that all other cheesecakes aspire to.
While you can certainly find excellent examples of New York-style cheesecake at bakeries and specialty shops across the country, there’s nothing quite like making it yourself at home.
By following a few key tips and techniques in this article, you can craft a showstopping cheesecake that rivals anything you’d find in the Big Apple.
1. New York-Style Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp white sugar
For the Filling
- 32 oz (4 blocks) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups white sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with foil to prevent leaks.
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and 2 tbsp sugar until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of the prepared springform pan.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed until light, fluffy and completely smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Gradually add the 1 1/4 cups sugar and continue beating until fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy, about 2 more minutes.
Add the sour cream and vanilla and mix until just combined.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and egg yolks until smooth. Add this mixture to the cream cheese batter and beat until fully incorporated.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even mixing.
Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
Step 3: Baking the Cheesecake
Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
Bake for 30 minutes at 325° F. Reduce temperature to 250° F and continue cooking for 45 minutes more.
Then turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake remain in the oven for an additional 1 hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracking.
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath. Let cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving.
With this classic recipe, you’ll be able to craft a truly authentic New York-style cheesecake worthy of any high-end bakery. The towering height, dense yet creamy filling, and signature tang will have your guests raving. Serve it up at your next special occasion or holiday gathering – it’s sure to be the star of the dessert table.
