Description
A classic New York–style cheesecake with a rich, dense, and ultra-creamy filling, a buttery graham cracker crust, and a smooth, crack-free top achieved through gentle, low-temperature baking.
Ingredients
220 g graham cracker crumbs
100 g unsalted butter, melted
600 g cream cheese, softened
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 large egg yolk, room temperature
200 g sour cream, room temperature
220 g granulated sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated. Press firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. Refrigerate while preparing the batter.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the water bath.
- Preheat the oven to 302°F (150°C).
- In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch on medium speed until smooth and lump-free.
- Add the eggs and egg yolk gradually on low speed, mixing just until incorporated.
- Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the batter over the chilled crust and gently tap the pan to release air bubbles.
- Place a deep baking tray filled with boiling water on the oven rack below the cheesecake.
- Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside with the door slightly open for 30–45 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, cool completely at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Unmold and serve chilled or with desired toppings.
Notes
Baking at a low temperature helps prevent cracks.
Do not overmix to avoid incorporating air.
Overnight chilling is essential for proper texture.
Let slices sit at room temperature for 20 minutes if a softer texture is desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
