The Ultimate New York-Style Cheesecake
This New York-style cheesecake features a rich, creamy filling made with cream cheese, sugar, and sour cream, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. It's baked to perfection, resulting in a slice that's dense yet smooth, with a lightly caramelized top.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even layer.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Finally, stir in the sour cream and flour, if using.
- Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
- Cool the Cheesecake: Turn off the oven and crack the oven door. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about 1 hour. Then, remove it from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Serve: Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and slice into wedges. Enjoy plain or topped with your favorite fruit or sauce.