New York-style cheesecake relies on a generous amount of cream cheese, a few pantry staples, and a graham cracker crust to produce a dense, creamy result. Plan for about 90 minutes of baking plus several hours of chilling before serving.
1 ½cupsgraham cracker crumbsabout 10-12 full sheet graham crackers
¼cupgranulated sugar
½cupbuttermelted
For the Filling:
32ouncescream cheeseroom temperature
1 ¼cupsgranulated sugar
½cupsour cream
1tbspvanilla extract
4largeeggsroom temperature
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent leaks.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined and press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups of sugar, and continue beating until the mixture is creamy and light.
Add the sour cream and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, beating until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just blended.
Pour the filling over the crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Place the springform pan into a larger pan and fill the larger pan with boiling water to reach halfway up the sides of the springform pan, creating a water bath for the cheesecake.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 70-90 minutes, or until the center is set and a slight jiggle remains.
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for another hour. This helps prevent cracking.
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath, and let it cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
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Notes
For best results, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.
For a flavor twist, consider adding a strawberry or blueberry topping just before serving.