Description
A classic New York–style cheesecake that is tall, ultra-creamy, and perfectly smooth, made with a graham cracker crust and baked gently in a water bath for a bakery-quality result.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 Tbsp granulated sugar
2 1/4 lb cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
6 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly moistened. Press into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8 minutes and allow to cool completely.
- Once cooled, wrap the outside of the springform pan tightly with two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil to prepare for a water bath.
- Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C). Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until completely smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract just until incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
- Place the springform pan into a large roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 225°F (110°C) and continue baking for 60–75 minutes, until the center has a slight wobble.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake rest in the water bath for 45 minutes.
- Remove from the water bath, place on a wire rack, and cool completely. Cover and refrigerate overnight before slicing and serving.
Notes
The water bath helps prevent cracks and ensures a creamy texture.
Use full-fat cream cheese for best results.
Avoid overmixing to prevent excess air in the batter.
Overnight chilling is essential for proper setting and clean slices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
