Ina Garten’s Heavenly New York Cheesecake Recipe

Ina Garten’s New York Cheesecake stands as a pinnacle of dessert elegance, transforming simple ingredients into a sophisticated culinary masterpiece.

Silky smooth textures complement rich, tangy undertones that dance across your palate with remarkable depth.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike revere this classic dessert for its impeccable balance and luxurious mouthfeel.

Creamy layers meld seamlessly, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that feels both comforting and indulgent.

Each slice promises a delicate, velvety experience that transcends ordinary sweet treats.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this cheesecake represents a gold standard in dessert perfection.

Prepare to elevate your baking skills and impress guests with a recipe that speaks volumes about culinary finesse: follow along for a truly memorable dessert adventure.

Smooth Moves for Cheesecake Success à la Ina

• Prevent Lumpy Batter: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for at least an hour before mixing to guarantee a smooth, lump-free base that blends effortlessly.
• Master Egg Technique: Crack eggs into a separate bowl first to catch any shell fragments and ensure clean, perfect incorporation into the cheesecake mixture.
• Wrap Water Bath Secrets: Double-wrap the springform pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil to create a foolproof seal against water leaks during the baking process.
• Crack-Free Surface Strategy: Run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake immediately after baking to prevent the center from pulling and creating unsightly cracks.
• Slice Like a Pro: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between each cut to achieve those picture-perfect, clean slices every single time.

Best Ways to Store New York Cheesecake

• Refrigerator: Shield your delectable cheesecake by wrapping it completely in two layers – first plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. This double-protection method prevents moisture loss and keeps odors from seeping into your creamy dessert. Enjoy your slice within 3-4 days for maximum freshness and peak flavor intensity.
• Freezer: Slice cheesecake into individual portions before freezing for convenient single-serving treats. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, then nestle them inside a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake maintains its luscious texture for up to 2 months, ready to thaw and delight whenever a sweet craving strikes.
• Counter: Never leave cheesecake at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Fresh Takes on Ina Garten’s NY Cheesecake Recipe

• Berry Bliss: Fold fresh mixed berries into the batter before baking, creating vibrant pockets of fruity flavor throughout the cheesecake.
• Chocolate Chip Dream: Sprinkle dark chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture for a rich, decadent variation that adds texture and sweetness.
• Caramel Swirl Sensation: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce between layers of cheesecake batter, creating beautiful swirls and a luxurious caramel undertone.
• Nutty Crunch Upgrade: Mix chopped toasted almonds or pecans into the graham cracker crust for an added layer of nutty crunch and depth of flavor.

Last Slice Thoughts on Ina Garten’s Cheesecake

New York cheesecake whispers classic elegance through Ina Garten’s legendary recipe.

Culinary magic happens when graham cracker crusts meet silky cream cheese perfection.

Delicate lemon notes dance alongside rich dairy goodness, creating sublime texture and balanced flavor.

Careful baking techniques ensure professional-quality results that rival Manhattan’s finest bakeries.

Precise temperature control and water bath methods guarantee smooth, crack-free surfaces every single time.

Slice into this heavenly dish, share with friends, and watch excitement spark across dinner tables – your kitchen masterpiece awaits delicious discovery.

Why Ina Garten’s New York Cheesecake Hits the Spot

• Create Creamy Perfection: This cheesecake delivers an incredibly smooth, velvety texture that melts in your mouth, thanks to the careful mixing of cream cheese and precise baking technique.
• Master Foolproof Baking Method: The water bath technique ensures even cooking and prevents cracking, making this recipe beginner-friendly and guaranteeing a professional-looking dessert every single time.
• Burst with Bright Citrus Notes: The addition of lemon zest and juice introduces a subtle, refreshing tang that cuts through the richness, elevating the classic cheesecake from good to extraordinary and adding a sophisticated flavor profile.
• Ultimate Make-Ahead Dessert: With a simple preparation process and the ability to chill overnight, this cheesecake becomes the perfect stress-free dessert for dinner parties, holidays, or any special celebration where you want to impress without last-minute scrambling.

Must-Have Ingredients for the Famous NY Cheesecake

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic foundation for cheesecake base with a sweet, slightly nutty flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds rich, smooth texture.
• Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps crisp the crust during baking.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights other flavors.

• Cream Cheese: Primary ingredient that creates the smooth, rich texture of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tangy cream cheese.
• Flour: Helps stabilize the filling and prevent cracking.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor to the cheesecake.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Provides bright, citrusy notes that cut through the richness.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.

• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the filling together.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture, tanginess, and creates a creamy, smooth texture.

Whip Up Ina Garten’s New York Cheesecake Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Gather a 9-10 inch springform pan, heavy-duty aluminum foil, and a larger baking dish. Position oven rack in center position.

Step 2: Create Delectable Graham Cracker Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Salt

Mix thoroughly until ingredients form a consistent texture. Press mixture firmly into pan bottom, creating an even layer.

Step 3: Prebake Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool completely. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.

Step 4: Develop Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar

Beat until smooth and velvety, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 5: Enhance Filling Flavor

• All-purpose flour
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Salt

Blend until ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 6: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Gently fold in sour cream until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Prepare Water Bath

Wrap springform pan’s exterior with aluminum foil, creating a waterproof seal. Pour filling over cooled crust, smoothing surface with spatula.

Step 8: Create Water Bath

Place wrapped springform pan inside larger baking dish. Carefully pour hot water into outer dish, reaching halfway up springform pan’s sides.

Step 9: Bake Cheesecake

Slide pan into preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Edges should appear set while center remains slightly wobbly.

Step 10: Gradual Cooling Process

Turn off oven. Leave cheesecake inside with door closed for one hour, allowing gentle cooling.

Step 11: Chill And Set

Remove cheesecake from oven. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight. This allows complete setting and flavor development.

Ina Garten New York Cheesecake Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s New York Cheesecake delivers classic Manhattan richness with silky cream cheese and graham cracker perfection. Creamy layers melt on your palate, offering a luxurious slice of culinary elegance that transports dessert lovers straight to the heart of New York’s most beloved sweet tradition.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 32 ounces (907 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• ½ cup sour cream

Crust Ingredients:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs, from 12 whole crackers
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Flavor and Enhancement Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon packed lemon zest, from 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, from 1 lemon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Special Equipment:

• 9– or 10-inch springform pan
• 18-inch heavy-duty aluminum foil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an optimal baking environment for the cheesecake.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture achieves a consistent texture.
3. Transfer the crumb mixture into a 9-inch or 10-inch springform pan, pressing firmly to create an even, compact crust layer. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely.
4. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) for the next baking phase.
5. In a large mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety, using an electric mixer at medium speed.
6. Incorporate all-purpose flour, pure vanilla extract, freshly grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt into the cream cheese mixture, blending until thoroughly combined.
7. Carefully add large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure proper integration and a smooth texture.
8. Gently fold in full-fat sour cream, stirring until the filling achieves a uniform consistency.
9. Wrap the exterior of the springform pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent water seepage during baking.
10. Pour the prepared filling over the cooled crust, using a silicone spatula to create an even, smooth surface.
11. Place the springform pan inside a larger baking dish, creating a water bath by adding hot water until it reaches approximately halfway up the pan’s sides.
12. Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, watching for slightly set edges with a subtle jiggle in the center.
13. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door closed for one hour, allowing it to cool gradually and prevent cracking.
14. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to ensure complete chilling and setting.

Notes

• Whip cream cheese and sugar until velvety smooth, eliminating any pesky lumps for a dreamy, uniform cheesecake texture.
• Gently fold eggs into the mixture one by one, giving each a gentle beating to create a silky, luxurious base that whispers sophistication.
• Create a cozy water bath for your cheesecake, protecting it from harsh oven temperatures and ensuring a creamy, crack-free masterpiece.
• Let your cheesecake rest peacefully in the turned-off oven, allowing it to cool slowly and gracefully without developing unwanted surface cracks.
• Tuck your creation into the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, letting flavors mingle and texture transform into a decadent, firm delight.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 560 kcal
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg