New York Cheesecake

Here’s a classic New York Cheesecake recipe that’s rich, creamy, and dense with a buttery graham cracker crust:

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 32 oz (4 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• ⅔ cup sour cream
• ⅔ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, helps with stability)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter.
2. Prepare the Crust:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
   • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan.
   • Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
   • Add the sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
   • Add the vanilla extract and beat briefly to mix it in.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
   • Add the sour cream, heavy cream, and flour (if using), and mix on low speed until smooth and fully combined.
4. Pour the Filling:
   • Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Bake the Cheesecake:
   • Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly but the edges are set.
   • Once baked, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour with the door slightly cracked open.

1. Chill the Cheesecake:
   • Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
   • Cover and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, to set fully.
2. Serve: Once chilled, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and serve with your favorite toppings (like fresh berries, whipped cream, or fruit compote).

Enjoy your delicious New York-style cheesecake!