Cakes

New York Cheesecake

Name: New York Cheesecake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 270 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups (190g) graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar; 6 tbsp (84g) unsalted butter, melted; 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup (115g) sour cream; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp fine salt; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream, for serving

By Margaux Delacroix · June 18, 2026 · Cakes

Prep30 min

Cook60 min

Total270 min

Serves8

There's something truly special about a classic New York cheesecake. The combination of a buttery graham crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a perfectly balanced flavor is a match made in heaven. As a home cook and founder of Secretsauce Recipes, I've spent years perfecting my New York cheesecake recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you today.

I remember the first time I made a New York cheesecake like it was yesterday. I was a young pastry cook, and I was determined to get it just right. I spent hours researching recipes, testing techniques, and tweaking ingredients until I finally landed on the perfect combination. And when I took that first bite, I knew I had created something truly special.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a classic cheesecake. It's rich, creamy, and indulgent, with a perfectly balanced flavor that's sure to impress. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you can create a stunning New York cheesecake that's sure to become a family favorite.

So why make a New York cheesecake? For one, it's a great way to impress your friends and family with a show-stopping dessert. But it's also a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth and indulge in a rich, creamy treat. And with this recipe, you can make it all from the comfort of your own home.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through every step of the process, from making the graham crust to baking the cheesecake to chilling it to perfection. I'll share my expert tips and tricks for getting the perfect texture and flavor, and I'll provide you with all the information you need to make this recipe a success.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal special equipment
The cheesecake is rich and creamy, with a perfectly balanced flavor
The graham crust is crunchy and buttery, with a delicious flavor
The recipe is perfect for special occasions, such as birthdays and holidays
The cheesecake can be made ahead of time and chilled until serving
The recipe is versatile and can be customized with different flavors and toppings

Why This Recipe Works

So what makes this New York cheesecake recipe so special? For one, it's the combination of a buttery graham crust and a creamy cheesecake filling. The graham crust provides a perfect base for the cheesecake, with a crunchy texture and a rich, buttery flavor. And the cheesecake filling is made with a combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs, which provides a rich, creamy texture and a perfectly balanced flavor.

Another key element of this recipe is the use of room temperature ingredients. By using room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs, we can ensure that the cheesecake filling is smooth and creamy, with no lumps or bumps. And by baking the cheesecake in a water bath, we can prevent it from cracking and ensure that it cooks evenly.

Finally, the key to a perfect New York cheesecake is in the chilling. By chilling the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, we can allow the flavors to meld together and the texture to set. And by serving it chilled, we can ensure that the cheesecake is creamy and smooth, with a perfectly balanced flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this New York cheesecake, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. You'll also need some basic kitchen equipment, such as a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a springform pan.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items, such as fresh eggs and real vanilla extract. And don't skip the step of using room temperature ingredients, as this will ensure that the cheesecake filling is smooth and creamy.

1 1/2 cups (190g) graham cracker crumbsGraham cracker crumbs provide a crunchy texture and a rich, buttery flavor to the crust. You can use either homemade or store-bought crumbs, but be sure to choose a high-quality brand.
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugarGranulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the crust and helps to balance out the flavor of the graham cracker crumbs.
6 tbsp (84g) unsalted butter, meltedMelted butter helps to bind the crust together and adds a rich, buttery flavor. Be sure to use high-quality, unsalted butter for the best flavor.
16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softenedCream cheese provides the base for the cheesecake filling, with a rich, creamy texture and a tangy flavor. Be sure to use room temperature cream cheese for the best results.
1/2 cup (115g) sour creamSour cream adds a tangy flavor and a creamy texture to the cheesecake filling. Be sure to use room temperature sour cream for the best results.
2 large eggsEggs provide structure and moisture to the cheesecake filling, with a rich, creamy texture and a balanced flavor. Be sure to use room temperature eggs for the best results.
1 tsp pure vanilla extractVanilla extract adds a rich, creamy flavor to the cheesecake filling, with a balanced and smooth texture. Be sure to use high-quality, pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
1/4 tsp fine saltFine salt helps to balance out the flavor of the cheesecake filling, with a touch of saltiness and a smooth texture. Be sure to use a high-quality, fine salt for the best results.
1 cup (200g) granulated sugarGranulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the cheesecake filling, with a balanced and smooth texture. Be sure to use high-quality, granulated sugar for the best flavor.
1/2 cup (120g) sour cream, for servingSour cream provides a tangy flavor and a creamy texture, perfect for serving alongside the cheesecake. Be sure to use room temperature sour cream for the best results.

Equipment You’ll Need

9-inch (23cm) springform panMixing bowlWhiskRubber spatulaMeasuring cups and spoonsElectric mixerWater bath container

How to Make New York Cheesecake

1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
3
Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
4
Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until it is lightly browned and set.
5
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
6
Add the sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, and beat until well combined.
7
Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
8
Pour the cheesecake filling into the baked crust.
9
Bake the cheesecake for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
10
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 1 hour.
11
Run a knife around the edges of the cheesecake to release it from the pan.
12
Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
13
Once the cheesecake is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
14
Serve the cheesecake with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Expert Tips

Be sure to use room temperature ingredients, including the cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs, for the best results.
Don't overmix the cheesecake filling, as this can cause it to crack.
Use a water bath to bake the cheesecake, as this will help to prevent it from cracking and ensure that it cooks evenly.
Let the cheesecake cool slowly and naturally, rather than trying to speed up the process with a fan or other method.
Don't overbake the cheesecake, as this can cause it to dry out and crack.
Use a high-quality, pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Don't skip the step of chilling the cheesecake, as this will help to set the texture and flavor.
Use a sharp knife to release the cheesecake from the pan, and be gentle to avoid damaging the crust.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the cheesecake filling, which can cause it to crack.
Not using room temperature ingredients, which can affect the texture and flavor of the cheesecake.
Overbaking the cheesecake, which can cause it to dry out and crack.
Not letting the cheesecake cool slowly and naturally, which can cause it to crack or become misshapen.
Not chilling the cheesecake for a sufficient amount of time, which can affect the texture and flavor.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as artificial vanilla extract or low-fat cream cheese, which can affect the flavor and texture of the cheesecake.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding a layer of fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries, to the top of the cheesecake.
Using a different type of crust, such as a chocolate cookie crust or a nut crust.
Adding a flavor extract, such as lemon or orange, to the cheesecake filling.
Using a different type of cheese, such as goat cheese or mascarpone, in place of the cream cheese.
Adding a layer of caramel or chocolate sauce to the top of the cheesecake.
Using a water bath with a different liquid, such as coffee or tea, to add flavor to the cheesecake.
Adding a sprinkle of sea salt or chopped nuts to the top of the cheesecake for added texture and flavor.

What to Serve With New York Cheesecake

This cheesecake is perfect for serving at a dinner party or special occasion. You can serve it on its own, or with a variety of toppings such as fresh fruit, caramel sauce, or whipped cream. It's also delicious with a cup of coffee or tea, and makes a great dessert for a brunch or breakfast gathering.

Some other ideas for serving this cheesecake include:

Fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberriesCaramel sauceWhipped creamChocolate shavingsChopped nuts, such as almonds or walnutsCustard sauce

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, simply wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, simply remove the cheesecake from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

When storing the cheesecake, be sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods, as it can absorb odors easily. You should also keep it covered, to prevent it from drying out or becoming contaminated.

To serve the cheesecake, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. You can then slice it and serve it as desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

To prevent the cheesecake from cracking, be sure to not overmix the filling, and to let it cool slowly and naturally. You should also use a water bath to bake the cheesecake, as this will help to prevent it from cracking and ensure that it cooks evenly.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. You can also check the internal temperature, which should be around 190-200°F (88-93°C).

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cheesecake ahead of time. Simply bake and cool the cheesecake, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What type of pan should I use to bake the cheesecake?

You should use a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan to bake the cheesecake. This type of pan is specifically designed for baking cheesecakes, and will help to ensure that the cheesecake cooks evenly and releases from the pan easily.

Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can use a different type of crust, such as a chocolate cookie crust or a nut crust. Simply mix the crust ingredients together and press them into the pan, then bake until lightly browned and set.

How do I release the cheesecake from the pan?

To release the cheesecake from the pan, simply run a knife around the edges of the cheesecake to loosen it, then remove the sides of the pan. You can then transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate and slice it as desired.

Can I make individual cheesecakes?

Yes, you can make individual cheesecakes using this recipe. Simply divide the filling among 6-8 small cups or ramekins, then bake until set and slightly jiggly in the center.

How do I store leftover cheesecake?

You can store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months. To freeze, simply wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

The Full Recipe

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