New York Style Cheesecake

Servings: 12 Total Time: 1 hr 55 mins Difficulty: Beginner
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Introduction

New York Style Cheesecake is a classic American dessert that has stood the test of time. Known for its rich, dense, and creamy texture, this cheesecake is made with a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious filling made from cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and sour cream. Unlike lighter cheesecakes, the New York version is bold and indulgent—perfect for true cheesecake lovers.

It’s often served plain, which allows the tangy cream cheese flavor to shine, but it can also be topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this cheesecake because it embodies everything I want in a dessert—decadence, elegance, and satisfaction. The first bite melts in your mouth with a smooth and velvety texture, followed by a rich creaminess balanced by a hint of tang.

Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility. It can be dressed up for a special celebration with fancy toppings, or enjoyed plain with a cup of coffee for a simple yet luxurious treat. For me, baking this cheesecake feels like a labor of love—the slow baking, the patience, and the reward of cutting into that first perfect slice make it worth every step.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

  • It’s a timeless classic that never goes out of style.
  • The texture is unmatched: dense, creamy, and velvety smooth.
  • Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or anytime you want a show-stopping dessert.
  • It can be enjoyed plain or with endless topping variations.

Recipe Information

  • Preparation Time: 25 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cooling & Chilling Time: 6 hours (or overnight)
  • Total Time: 8 hours
  • Servings: 12 servings
  • Calories: ~430 per slice (without toppings)
  • Cuisine: American (New York style)
  • Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 4 packages (8 oz each / 900 g total) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2/3 cup (160 g) sour cream
  • 2/3 cup (160 ml) heavy cream

Simple Cooking Directions

  1. Prepare graham cracker crust.
  2. Beat cream cheese mixture until smooth.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, then sour cream and cream.
  4. Pour filling over crust and bake in a water bath.
  5. Cool slowly, then chill completely before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
  3. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth (about 3 minutes).
  2. Add sugar and vanilla, and beat until combined.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating gently after each.
  4. Mix in sour cream and heavy cream until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

  1. Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil (to prevent leaks).
  2. Place the pan inside a larger roasting pan and pour hot water into the roasting pan until halfway up the cheesecake pan.
  3. Pour cheesecake filling over the crust.
  4. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly but set.

Step 4: Cooling

  1. Turn off oven, crack door slightly, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
  2. Remove from oven, let cool completely at room temperature.
  3. Refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight before slicing.

How to Serve This Recipe

  • Serve chilled, sliced into wedges.
  • Delicious plain, but you can also top with:
    • Fresh berries
    • Fruit compote
    • Whipped cream
    • Chocolate or caramel drizzle

Additional Recipe Tips

  • Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
  • Avoid overmixing after adding eggs (prevents cracks).
  • Baking in a water bath helps keep texture creamy and prevents cracking.
  • If cracks form, cover with fruit topping or whipped cream—it still tastes amazing!

Variations

  • Strawberry Cheesecake: Top with strawberry compote.
  • Chocolate Cheesecake: Mix in melted chocolate to the filling.
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake: Add pumpkin puree and warm spices.
  • Mini Cheesecakes: Bake in muffin tins for single-serve desserts.

Freezing and Storage

  • Storage: Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Special Equipment Needed

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Large roasting pan (for water bath)
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Aluminum foil

Conclusion

New York Style Cheesecake is a timeless, luxurious dessert that’s creamy, rich, and irresistible. While it requires patience with baking and chilling, the result is absolutely worth it. Whether served plain or topped with fresh fruit or chocolate, this cheesecake is the ultimate indulgence and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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New York Style Cheesecake

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 25 mins Cook Time 90 mins Total Time 1 hr 55 mins
Servings: 12 Calories: 430 calories

Description

New York Style Cheesecake is a classic American dessert that has stood the test of time. Known for its rich, dense, and creamy texture, this cheesecake is made with a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious filling made from cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and sour cream.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

For the Cheesecake Filling:

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Crust : Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
  2. Step 2: Make the Filling : In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth (about 3 minutes). Add sugar and vanilla, and beat until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating gently after each. Mix in sour cream and heavy cream until smooth
  3. Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake : Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil (to prevent leaks). Place the pan inside a larger roasting pan and pour hot water into the roasting pan until halfway up the cheesecake pan. Pour cheesecake filling over the crust. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly but set.
  4. Step 4: Cooling : Turn off oven, crack door slightly, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Remove from oven, let cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight before slicing.
Keywords: New York Style Cheesecake
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Q1: Why did my cheesecake crack?

Overmixing eggs or cooling too quickly often causes cracks. Using a water bath helps prevent this.

Q2: Can I make it without a water bath?

Yes, but texture may be slightly drier and cracks may form.

Q3: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt works well as a substitute.

Q4: How do I know when the cheesecake is done?

It should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.

Samantha Doe Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.

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