Description
This classic New York-style cheesecake is rich, dense, and creamy with a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s baked low and slow for the perfect texture, then chilled to set into a dreamy dessert. Great for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 and 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 (8 oz) packages (904g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240g) sour cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
Instructions
-
Prepare the crust:
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly. Reduce oven temp to 325°F (163°C). -
Make the filling:
Using a hand or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Add sugar and beat until combined. Mix in sour cream, vanilla, and lemon juice. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. -
Add eggs and flour:
Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Avoid overmixing. Add flour and mix just until combined. -
Assemble and bake:
Pour filling into the crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in a large roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with about 1 inch of hot water to create a water bath. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. The center will still be slightly jiggly. -
Cool and chill:
Turn off the oven and crack the door slightly. Let cheesecake sit for 1 hour in the oven. Then remove from the water bath, cool to room temperature, and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
-
Serve:
Run a knife around the edges to loosen. Remove the springform ring. Slice and serve plain or topped with fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients ensure a smooth batter.
- Don’t skip the water bath—it helps prevent cracks.
- Can be made 1–2 days ahead.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: Og
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 140mg