The BEST New York Cheesecake Recipe

I’ve got all the pro tips and expert testing to help you whip up a New York cheesecake with a graham cracker crust so good, you will put Cheesecake Factory and Juniors to shame. Facts!

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New York Cheesecake recipe overhead shot with full cheesecake and four slices with raspberries and raspberry sauce

My Recipe Tips

  • Start with room temperature ingredients. This will ensure that your cheesecake does not have lumps. And believe me, you don’t want that.
  • Use a Water Bath: For extra insurance against cracks and more moisture, USE one!  Bake the cheesecake with a pan of water in the oven. This will generate steam, and a steam oven will prevent the cheesecake from drying out.
  • Don’t open the oven while baking! Changes in temperature during baking can cause the cheesecake to crack or sink in the middle. Instead, just give it a jiggle at the end of baking. If it’s firm at the edges and still wobbles a little in the center, it’s done.
  • Cool Completely Before Chilling. Once room temperature, add to the fridge overnight. If you add a warm cheesecake to a cold fridge, it will trap condensation and make it soggy.

How to Make New York Cheesecake

Make the Crust

Sugar and graham cracker crumbs in a glass bowl with melted butter on white countertop

Step 1: Whisk together graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter.

Graham cracker mixture pressed into springform pan on white countertop

Step 2: Press mixture into the bottom of a non-stick sprayed springform pan and bake in a preheated oven of 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 minutes.

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Make the Filling and Bake

Cream cheese and sugar in a stand mixer bowl on white countertop

Step 3: In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth.

Eggs added to cheesecake mixture in stand mixer on white countertop

Step 4: Next add heavy cream then add eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated. Next, add sour cream, vanilla bean paste and flour and mix until smooth.

Cheesecake batter added to springform pan

Step 5: Pour cheesecake filling into baked crust. Place the sheet pan on the oven rack and pour enough water to fill up to an inch around the foil-wrapped cheesecake. Close the oven door and bake for 45 minutes. Turn off the oven and allow cake to cool for 1 hour with the oven door closed, then for another hour with the door slightly ajar (not completely open). Remove the cake from the oven and let cool at room temperature for an additional 30 minutes, then wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

New York Cheesecake overhead shot with full cheesecake and four slices with raspberries and raspberry sauce

New York Cheesecake Recipe

Silky, Rich, Creamy and perfectly smooth, this New York cheesecake is the dessert of your dreams!  With a few tips and tricks, you can make a restaurant favorite right at home! Better than the Cheesecake Factory!
4.62 from 18 votes
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 12 hours
Total Time 13 hours 40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

For The Crust

  • 1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs or shortbread crumbs
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 5 tbsp melted salted butter

For The Cheesecake Filling

  • 32 oz cream cheese 4 (8 ounces) packages/ room temperature/ full fat is best
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream or plain greek yogurt, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

For The Crust

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9 inch springform pan with at least 2 ¾ inch sides or a 10 inch springform pan with non-stick baking spray. Make sure it is properly secured too!
  • Whisk together graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of the springform pan and bake in the oven for 10 minutes.  Remove from the oven and let cool while you work on the filling.

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together cream cheese and sugar on medium until completely smooth, about 2 minutes.
  • Add heavy cream then scrape down the sides of a bowl.
  • Turn the mixer down to low then add eggs, one at a time, mixing until incorporated.
  • Add sour cream, vanilla bean paste, flour and salt and mix until smooth, about a minute.
  • Using two layers of foil, cover the base of the springform pan so the water will not seep in. Place the covered pan on a sheet pan. Pour the cheesecake filling into the crust and smooth the top.
  • Place the sheet pan on the oven rack and pour enough water to fill up to an inch around the foil-wrapped cheesecake. Close the oven door and bake for 45 minutes. Turn off the oven and allow cake to cool for 1 hour with the oven door closed, then for another hour with the door slightly ajar (not completely open). You can use a wooden spoon to hold the door open about an inch. Remove the cake from the oven and let cool at room temperature for an additional 30 minutes, then wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Notes

How to Store New York Cheesecake

Once your cheesecake has fully cooled (totally cooled boos, don’t play around), cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or pop it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for a good while.

How long will New York Cheesecake last in the fridge?

This cheesecake will last 4 to 5 days in the fridge.

Can I freeze New York style cheesecake?

Yep, you can freeze it! Wrap the whole cheesecake or individual slices (no need to defrost the entire thing! Unless you wanna eat the whole thing, I won’t judge) in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe bag. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months y’all.

Nutrition

Calories: 401kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 682mg | Potassium: 286mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 605IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 313mg | Iron: 1mg
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New York style cheesecake slice on white plate with raspberry sauce and raspberries

Recipe Help

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

You can but I prefer full-fat cream cheese to get that super luscious flavor.

How can I cut clean slices?

The best way to cut clean slices is by using a sharp knife dipped in hot water, wiping it clean between each slice.

Filed Under:  Cheesecake, Christmas, Dessert and Baking, New Year's, Oven

Comments

  1. I think the amounts and ingredients look great. I’ve baked many a cheesecake using the water bath method and wrapping springform pan with 2 layers of aluminum foil.

    I see that you don’t include this method.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

  2. The recipe calls for “42 oz cream cheese 4 (8 ounces) packages/ room temperature”. Wouldn’t it be 32 oz of cream cheese? 4 packages x 8 ounces per pack. Wanted to make sure I got your recipe exact and not mess up anything.

4.62 from 18 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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