New York Creamy Cheesecake (Printable Version)

A dense, creamy dessert with graham cracker crust and indulgent texture, perfect for special occasions.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 - Pinch of salt

→ Filling

05 - 2 lbs full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
08 - 3 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
12 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Topping (optional)

13 - 1 cup sour cream
14 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
15 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the base with parchment paper.
02 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until mixture resembles wet sand.
03 - Press crust mixture firmly into bottom of prepared pan. Bake 10 minutes, then cool slightly.
04 - Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add sugar and continue beating until fully combined.
05 - Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt until just combined.
06 - Add eggs one at a time at low mixer speed, scraping bowl after each addition. Avoid overmixing.
07 - Pour filling over cooled crust and smooth the surface with a spatula.
08 - Place pan in a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water halfway up sides of springform pan to create a water bath.
09 - Bake 55 to 65 minutes until edges are set and center jiggles slightly.
10 - Turn off oven, crack door open, and cool cheesecake in oven for 1 hour.
11 - Remove cheesecake, run knife around edge, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
12 - Mix sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Spread over chilled cheesecake if desired.
13 - Slice cheesecake with hot, clean knife and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The texture strikes that impossible balance between creamy and dense, like eating a cloud made of pure indulgence.
  • It's forgiving enough to feel achievable but elegant enough to impress anyone sitting at your table.
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are the difference between silky and grainy—take the cream cheese out 2 hours before, and the eggs straight from warm water.
  • The jiggle in the center is not a mistake; it's exactly what you want, and the residual heat will set it perfectly as it cools.
03 -
  • A hot knife dipped in water between each slice isn't just for looks—it prevents the blade from dragging through the dense filling and creating uneven edges.
  • If a small crack appears, don't panic; a layer of fruit compote or the sour cream topping will cover it completely, and honestly, it still tastes perfect even if it looks imperfect.
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