Smooth, creamy cheesecake has always been a dessert that sparks pure joy in moments of indulgence.
This classic new york cheesecake recipe delivers a silky-smooth texture that melts effortlessly on your tongue.
Rich cream cheese blends with delicate graham cracker crust to create a decadent treat everyone adores.
Each bite promises a luxurious experience that feels like a sweet celebration.
The secret lies in using high-quality ingredients and mixing them with gentle precision.
Chilled and perfectly set, this cheesecake becomes the star of any gathering.
Let’s find out this delightful recipe and watch dessert magic unfold before your eyes.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Calories: 394 kcal
Servings: 13
Ingredients That Make a Perfect Cheesecake Truly Shine
For Crust Base:
Graham Cracker Rectangles: Crispy foundation that adds delightful texture and sweet, toasty notes to the cheesecake's bottom layer.
Unsalted Butter: Binds crumbs together, creating a sturdy and rich base that holds the crust perfectly when sliced.
For Creamy Filling:
Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy heart of the cheesecake that delivers the classic rich and velvety texture.
Granulated Sugar: Balances cream cheese's tanginess and provides perfect sweetness throughout the filling.
Large Eggs: Essential for creating a silky, stable structure and helping the cheesecake set beautifully.
Sour Cream: Adds luxurious moisture and subtle tang, ensuring an impossibly creamy and light texture.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
For Topping Options:
Fresh Berries: Bright, juicy complement that cuts through the richness and adds vibrant color.
Whipped Cream: Soft, airy finish that provides a light contrast to the dense cheesecake base.
Bakeware and Mixing Tools for Cheesecake Success
Springform pan: Essential for creating the perfect cheesecake shape with removable sides.
Aluminum foil: Used to wrap the pan for water bath protection and prevent water seepage.
Mixing bowls: Needed for combining crust ingredients and cheesecake batter.
Electric mixer or stand mixer: Crucial for blending cream cheese and ingredients smoothly.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure precise ingredient quantities.
Whisk: Helpful for mixing dry ingredients and breaking up any lumps.
Large roasting pan or baking dish: Serves as a water bath container for even baking.
Cooling rack: Allows cheesecake to cool gradually after baking.
Offset spatula or knife: Useful for smoothing batter and releasing edges from the pan.
A Simple Method to Bake a Smooth, Velvety Cheesecake
Oven Preparation Kitchen Temperature sets the stage for a dreamy dessert adventure. Warm your oven to a cozy 350°F and let cream cheese relax at room temperature for ultimate smoothness.
Crust Foundation a buttery graham cracker base creates the perfect cheesecake platform. Gently press crumbs into a springform pan, creating a golden, crispy foundation that will hold your luscious filling.
Silky Smooth Mixture the secret to a heavenly cheesecake lives in its velvety texture. Blend cream cheese until it becomes a cloud-like consistency, incorporating each ingredient with gentle love and patience.
Egg Magic delicate eggs transform the mixture, adding richness and structure. Fold them in carefully, creating a luxurious landscape of creamy potential.
Water Bath Technique a gentle hot water embrace ensures your cheesecake bakes evenly without cracking. Carefully nestle your pan into a warm water bath, protecting the delicate custard from harsh heat.
Cooling Ritual patience becomes your greatest ingredient. Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven, then refrigerate, letting flavors meld and texture become perfectly smooth.
Finishing Touch crown your masterpiece with fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar to create a stunning dessert that whispers pure indulgence.
Tips to Customize Texture, Crust, or Flavor Easily
Swap graham crackers with chocolate cookie crumbs for a rich, dark crust that adds depth to your cheesecake's flavor profile.
Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure a silky-smooth cheesecake without lumps, creating a perfectly creamy consistency.
Wrap the springform pan in heavy-duty aluminum foil carefully to prevent water leakage, which guarantees a crack-free cheesecake surface every time.
Experiment with mix-in options like fresh berries, chocolate chips, or swirled fruit preserves to transform the classic recipe into a personalized dessert masterpiece.
This cheesecake can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, making it an ideal dessert for stress-free entertaining.
Serving Cheesecake with a Slice of Style
Fruity Flavor Explosion: Top your cheesecake with a vibrant mixed berry compote featuring fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Drizzle a light honey glaze for extra sweetness and shine.
Chocolate Lover's Dream: Sprinkle rich dark chocolate shavings or drizzle melted chocolate ganache over the cheesecake. Add a few chocolate-covered strawberries on the side for an elegant touch.
Caramel Crunch Delight: Create a decadent topping with salted caramel sauce, crushed pecans, and a light dusting of cinnamon. Scatter some caramel popcorn pieces for a surprising textural contrast that elevates the dessert experience.
Seasonal Sensation: Customize your cheesecake with seasonal fruit toppings like spiced autumn apples, fresh summer peaches, or winter citrus segments. Pair with a complementary whipped cream infused with matching flavor notes.
Storing Cheesecake to Keep It Silky and Rich
Smart Fridge Storage: Keep your cheesecake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool environment prevents bacterial growth and maintains the creamy texture.
Freezing Magic: Slice and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake stays delicious for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Make-Ahead Masterplan: Prepare the entire cheesecake 1-2 days before your event. This technique allows flavors to deepen and gives you stress-free hosting time. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance taste.
Topping Fresh Trick: Store fruit toppings separately in small containers. Add them just before serving to prevent soggy edges and maintain crisp, vibrant flavors. Whipped cream should always be added right before serving for best presentation.
Creamy New York-style cheesecake offers a luxurious dessert experience with rich, tangy cream cheese and a buttery graham cracker crust. Smooth, silky layers promise pure indulgence for anyone seeking classic comfort in a slice of heaven.
Ingredients
Scale
32 oz (907 g) cream cheese
4 large eggs
1 cup (240 mL) sour cream
1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
12 whole graham cracker rectangles (6 oz / 170 g)
5 tbsps (74 mL) unsalted butter
1 tbsp (15 mL) vanilla extract
¼ tsp (1.5 g) salt
Instructions
Preparation: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature and preheat oven to 350°F (177°C), positioning rack in lower-middle section.
Crust Formation: Pulse graham crackers into fine crumbs, blend with melted butter, and press firmly into a buttered 9-inch springform pan, baking for 8-10 minutes until golden.
Batter Development: Cream cheese should be whipped until silky smooth, then progressively incorporate sugar, cornstarch, salt, sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
Egg Integration: Introduce eggs individually, blending completely after each addition and maintaining a uniform, lump-free consistency.
Water Bath Technique: Wrap pan exterior with aluminum foil, place inside a larger roasting pan, fill with hot water halfway up the sides, and pour cheesecake batter evenly over pre-baked crust.
Baking Process: Bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring for a slightly wobbly center with set edges, then turn off oven and allow gradual cooling with door slightly ajar for one hour.
Chilling and Presentation: Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours, release from springform pan, and garnish with fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings before serving chilled.
Notes
Temperature Matters: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 1-2 hours to ensure smooth, lump-free texture and easier mixing.
Prevent Water Leaks: Double-wrap the springform pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil to block water seepage during the water bath baking method.
Crush Consistently: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create uniform graham cracker crumbs for an even, compact crust base.
Gentle Cooling Technique: Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked open, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to prevent cracking and develop perfect texture.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.