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New York Cheesecake Recipe – Easy Ultra Creamy Classic Dessert

New York cheesecake recipe - featured image

This classic New York cheesecake features an ultra creamy, tangy filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for celebrations or a decadent treat any day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (200 g)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (90 g)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 32 ounces full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (900 g)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
  • 1 cup sour cream, room temperature (240 g)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Zest from 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (15 g)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional Topping: 1/2 cup sour cream (120 g)
  • Optional Topping: 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30 g)
  • Optional: Fresh berries or fruit compote for serving

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the base with parchment paper.
  2. Allow cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs to reach room temperature.
  3. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
  4. Add melted butter and mix until the crumbs resemble wet sand.
  5. Press mixture into the base of the pan and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Cool while preparing the filling.
  6. Beat cream cheese until smooth (2-3 minutes on medium speed).
  7. Add sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Beat until creamy.
  8. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix gently.
  9. Add eggs one at a time, mixing and scraping the bowl between additions.
  10. Pour filling over cooled crust and smooth the top.
  11. Optional: Wrap pan in foil and place on a baking sheet.
  12. Bake at 325°F for 55-65 minutes, until edges are set and center jiggles slightly.
  13. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake sit for 1 hour.
  14. Remove, run a knife around the edge, cool to room temperature, then chill in fridge at least 4 hours (overnight preferred).
  15. Optional: Mix sour cream and powdered sugar, spread over chilled cheesecake, and top with berries or fruit compote.
  16. Slice with a warm knife, wiping between cuts for clean slices. Serve chilled.

Notes

For best texture, chill the cheesecake overnight. Use room temperature ingredients to prevent lumps and cracks. If cracks appear, cover with topping or fruit. The crust can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free cookies. For neat slices, use a warm, clean knife. Cheesecake can be made ahead and freezes well.

Nutrition

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