New York Cheesecake Delight (Printable)

Indulge in a creamy, dense cheesecake with graham cracker base, ideal for special celebrations.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 - Pinch of salt

→ Filling

05 - 2 pounds full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
08 - 3 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
12 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Topping (optional)

13 - 1 cup sour cream
14 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
15 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the base with parchment paper.
02 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until mixture feels like wet sand.
03 - Press mixture firmly into the pan bottom. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool slightly.
04 - Beat cream cheese until smooth, about 2 minutes. Gradually add sugar and blend until combined.
05 - Add sour cream, vanilla, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt. Mix until just combined.
06 - Add eggs one at a time on low speed, scraping the bowl after each addition to avoid overmixing.
07 - Pour filling over cooled crust and smooth the surface with a spatula.
08 - Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into the outer pan to halfway up the sides.
09 - Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until edges are set and center slightly jiggles.
10 - Switch off oven, crack door open, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
11 - Run a knife around edges, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
12 - Mix sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Spread over chilled cheesecake.
13 - Slice with a hot, clean knife and serve.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like you spent hours in a professional kitchen, but the technique is more forgiving than you'd think.
  • There's something deeply satisfying about the contrast between that crisp graham cracker crust and the clouds of creamy filling.
  • Room temperature ingredients actually make this easier—no lumpy mistakes, just smooth, silky results.
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are genuinely essential—not a suggestion, not something to skip on a busy day.
  • The jiggle in the center during baking isn't a sign it's underdone; it's the signal of perfect doneness.
  • Cracks happen, and honestly, most people won't notice them under a dollop of sour cream topping or fresh berries.
03 -
  • Use a hot, clean knife for slicing—it glides through without tugging and leaves clean, beautiful edges that look professional.
  • If cracks do appear, don't panic; they're hidden under the sour cream topping or a layer of fruit.
  • Make this cheesecake a day ahead or even two days before serving—it actually improves as it sits, flavors deepening and texture settling into perfection.
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