New York Cheesecake Recipe – American Special

New York Cheesecake is a timeless American classic known for its dense, creamy filling and buttery graham cracker crust. This New York Cheesecake Recipe delivers that signature richness from full-fat cream cheese, a touch of sour cream, and slow baking in a water bath to avoid cracks. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions, this dessert offers indulgence with every heavenly bite.

  • Prep Time45 min
  • Cook Time5 hr 10 min
  • Total Time5 hr 55 min

New York Cheesecake Ingredients:

  • For the Crust: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Cheesecake Filling: 4 (8 oz each) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • For the Topping (optional): Fresh berries or fruit compote
  • Whipped cream

How to make New York Cheesecake Recipe:

1

Prepare the Crust: Preheat Oven: 350°F (175°C).

2

Mix Crust Ingredients:  ombine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup melted butter.

3

Press and Bake: Press into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool.

4

Prepare the Filling: Preheat Oven: Reduce to 325°F (160°C).

5

Mix Cream Cheese: Beat 4 packages (8 oz each) softened cream cheese until smooth.

6

Add Sugar and Vanilla: Mix in 1 cup sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract.

7

Add Eggs: Add 4 eggs one at a time, beating well after each.

8

Incorporate Sour Cream and Heavy Cream: Mix in 1 cup sour cream and 1 cup heavy cream.

9

Bake the Cheesecake: Water Bath: Place springform pan in a roasting pan. Add hot water to the roasting pan (up to halfway of the springform pan).

10

Bake: 60-70 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.

11

Cool in Oven: Turn off oven, let cheesecake cool with door slightly ajar for 1 hour.

12

Refrigerate: Chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

13

Serve: Remove from Pan: Carefully release cheesecake from springform pan.

14

Add Toppings: Garnish with fresh berries, fruit compote, or whipped cream.

Recipe Notes :

Use full-fat cream cheese, softened, for the creamiest, richest texture.

For best results, let ingredients like cream cheese, eggs, sour cream, etc., come to room temperature before mixing.

Use a water bath (bain-marie) during baking to ensure even heat and prevent the top from cracking.

Bake initially at a higher temperature to set edges, then reduce heat and bake low and slow.

Cool gradually: once baked, let the cheesecake sit in the oven with the door ajar, then chill in the fridge for several hours or overnight.

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for smooth slices.

Serve with fresh fruit, berry compote, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel for extra flair.