Rich, Creamy & Absolutely Irresistible!
There’s something truly special about a classic New York Cheesecake. It’s rich, dense, and oh-so-creamy, with a buttery graham cracker crust that perfectly complements the smooth, velvety filling. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you’re craving the ultimate cheesecake, this recipe will give you that authentic New York-style flavor at home.
I love this cheesecake because it’s simple, indulgent, and always a crowd-pleaser. The key to a perfect New York Cheesecake is baking it low and slow, then letting it cool properly to prevent cracks. Follow this recipe, and you’ll have a bakery-quality cheesecake every time!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: What makes a New York Cheesecake different from regular cheesecake?
New York Cheesecake is richer and denser than traditional cheesecake. It uses more cream cheese, heavy cream, and extra eggs, creating that signature smooth and thick texture.
Q: How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
- Don’t overmix the batter – Too much air can cause cracks.
- Use a water bath – This helps with even baking and moisture.
- Cool it slowly – A sudden temperature change can cause cracks, so let it cool gradually in the oven.
Q: Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! Cheesecake actually tastes better the next day because the flavors develop overnight. You can make it 1-2 days in advance and store it in the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze cheesecake?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Q: Do I need a springform pan?
Yes! A 9-inch springform pan is ideal for cheesecake. It allows easy removal without damaging the cake.
What You Need to Make New York Cheesecake
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
How to Make New York Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure it’s packed tightly.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, and lemon juice until combined.
- Add the eggs and egg yolk, mixing on low speed just until combined (don’t overmix!).
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
- Place the springform pan into a larger roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with hot water (about halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan) to create a water bath.
- Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly wobbly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
- Remove from the oven, cover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Slice and serve with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or caramel sauce!
Tips for the Best New York Cheesecake
✔ Use room temperature ingredients – This helps create a smooth, lump-free batter.
✔ Don’t skip the water bath – It prevents cracks and ensures even baking.
✔ Chill overnight – The flavors and texture improve after resting in the fridge.
✔ Run a knife around the edge – Before releasing from the springform pan, gently run a knife around the edges to prevent sticking.
✔ For a golden top – Bake an extra 5 minutes without the water bath for a slight golden hue.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophia R. – “This cheesecake was AMAZING! So creamy and rich—just like a real New York cheesecake!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Daniel M. – “Turned out perfect! I followed the tip to leave it in the oven after baking, and there were no cracks.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emily K. – “This is my new go-to cheesecake recipe! I added a raspberry topping, and it was a hit at my dinner party.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James L. – “A bit time-consuming, but totally worth it. The texture was spot-on!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Natalie P. – “I made this for my husband’s birthday, and he said it was better than any bakery cheesecake!”
Printable Recipe
New York Cheesecake
This New York Cheesecake is ultra-creamy, rich, and baked to perfection with a buttery graham cracker crust. A foolproof recipe for the ultimate classic cheesecake!
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure it’s packed tightly.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, and lemon juice until combined.
- Add the eggs and egg yolk, mixing on low speed just until combined (don’t overmix!).
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
- Place the springform pan into a larger roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with hot water (about halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan) to create a water bath.
- Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly wobbly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
- Remove from the oven, cover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Slice and serve with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or caramel sauce!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this classic New York Cheesecake, don’t keep it to yourself! Pin it on Pinterest, share it on social media, or send it to a fellow cheesecake lover. There’s nothing better than sharing the joy of homemade desserts! I’d love to see your cheesecake creations—tag me if you try it!
