Description
Creamy New York-style Cheesecake beckons with its rich, velvety texture and classic graham cracker crust. Each silky slice promises pure indulgence, inviting you to savor a timeless dessert that delights with every heavenly bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 (8 ounces/226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sour cream
Dairy and Sweeteners:
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Supplementary Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh fruit or fruit compote
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate ganache
- Crushed cookies or candy
Instructions
- Prepare the baking equipment by warming the oven to 325F (165C). Coat a 9-inch springform pan with grease or line its base with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Craft the foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a cohesive mixture. Press the crumbly base firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating an even layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then allow to cool completely.
- Create the creamy filling by whipping cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, aerated texture. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition. Gently fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour, maintaining a smooth consistency without overworking the batter.
- Delicately pour the velvety mixture over the cooled crust, spreading evenly to eliminate air pockets. Position in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, watching for slightly wobbling center and set edges as indicators of perfect doneness.
- Implement a gradual cooling technique by switching off the oven, leaving the door slightly ajar. Allow the cheesecake to rest inside for one hour, preventing potential surface cracks. Transfer to a countertop and cool completely at room temperature.
- Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight, enabling it to set and develop rich, complex flavors.
- Carefully release the springform pan’s clasp, transfer to a decorative serving plate, and embellish with preferred toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings before slicing and presenting.
Notes
- Prevent cracks by avoiding overmixing the batter, which introduces excess air and leads to surface splitting during baking.
- Create a smooth texture by ensuring cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing, allowing for seamless blending without lumps.
- Enhance flavor variations by experimenting with different graham cracker alternatives like chocolate cookies or nutty crusts for unique taste profiles.
- Accommodate dietary needs by substituting regular cream cheese with low-fat or dairy-free versions, maintaining the classic creamy consistency while catering to health-conscious preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg