Indulge in the luxurious, velvety texture of a true Classic New York Cheesecake—a dessert known for its dense richness, creamy filling, and signature graham cracker crust. Whether you’re serving guests or satisfying your own sweet tooth, this decadent baked cheesecake is a showstopper that never goes out of style.
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Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake
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Authentic New York-style texture – rich, dense, and ultra-creamy
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Simple, classic ingredients found in every kitchen
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Perfect for holidays, birthdays, and dinner parties
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Make-ahead friendly – even better the next day
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Customizable toppings like fruit, chocolate, or caramel
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Crust:
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Graham Cracker Crumbs (1½ cups): Classic cheesecake base that adds a sweet, crunchy contrast.
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Melted Butter (¼ cup): Binds the crumbs and adds rich, buttery flavor.
For the Filling:
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Cream Cheese (24 oz, softened): The star ingredient, providing a rich, dense, and creamy texture.
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Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
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Eggs (3 large): Give structure and creaminess to the cheesecake as it bakes.
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Sour Cream (1 cup): Adds tanginess and a silky finish to the filling.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
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All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp): Helps stabilize the filling and prevent cracking.
Tips and Tricks
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Use room-temperature ingredients to ensure a silky-smooth filling.
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Avoid overmixing once the eggs are added—this reduces air bubbles that cause cracking.
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Bake your cheesecake in a water bath for the smoothest texture (optional but highly recommended).
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Chill thoroughly before serving to achieve the proper set and flavor.
Variations and Customizations
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Add a fruit topping like cherries, strawberries, or blueberry compote.
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Swirl in chocolate, caramel, or raspberry sauce before baking.
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Replace graham cracker crumbs with chocolate wafer crumbs for a bolder crust.
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Add a lemon zest twist for a bright citrus note.
Pairing Suggestions
This cheesecake pairs beautifully with:
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Espresso or coffee lattes
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Fresh berries or berry compote
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Dark chocolate drizzle or shaved chocolate
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Sparkling wines or dessert liqueurs
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Popular Questions
Can I freeze New York cheesecake?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
Avoid overmixing, don’t open the oven during baking, and let it cool slowly. A water bath also helps!
Do I need to bake it in a water bath?
It’s optional but ideal for even baking and a smooth top. If skipping, place a pan of hot water on the lower rack for moisture.
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New York Cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Description
New York Cheesecake – The iconic, ultra-creamy dessert with a rich, dense texture and buttery graham crust. Perfectly balanced with vanilla and a touch of tangy sour cream—pure indulgence!
Ingredients
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1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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¼ cup melted butter
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24 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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3 large eggs
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1 cup sour cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
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Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
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In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well combined.
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Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form a tight crust.
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Set aside.
2. Make the Filling
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In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until incorporated after each addition.
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Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour until well combined.
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Do not overmix—this helps prevent cracks during baking.
3. Bake the Cheesecake
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Pour the batter evenly over the prepared crust.
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Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
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Turn off the oven and crack the door. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent sudden temperature change (which can cause cracking).
4. Chill and Serve
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Remove from the oven and cool completely at room temperature.
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Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
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Run a knife around the edge before releasing the springform pan.
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Serve plain or with your favorite toppings.
Notes
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Best served chilled with optional toppings like fresh fruit, chocolate syrup, or whipped cream.
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Make this cheesecake a day ahead to enhance flavor and texture.
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Use a hot, clean knife for neat slices—wipe between cuts for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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