How can I make a classic New York-style cheesecake ?

New York-style cheesecake is a beloved dessert known for its rich, creamy texture and simple yet elegant flavor. Here's a step-by-step guide to create this iconic treat at home: ## Ingredients: - **2 cups** graham cracker crumbs (about 15 whole crackers) - **1/2 cup** granulated sugar - **3/4 cup** unsalted butter, melted - **4 packages (8 ounces each)** full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature - **1 1/2 cups** granulated sugar - **1 teaspoon** vanilla extract - **4 large eggs**, at room temperature - **1/2 cup** sour cream - **1/4 cup** all-purpose flour - **1 teaspoon** lemon zest (optional) - **Pinch of salt** ## Equipment: - Mixing bowls - Electric mixer or stand mixer - Springform pan (9 inches in diameter) - Parchment paper - Large roasting pan - Water - Oven ## Instructions: ### For the Crust: 1. **Mix Graham Cracker Crumbs, Sugar, and Butter:** In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened. 2. **Press Into Pan:** Press the mixture onto the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to help pack the crust firmly and evenly. 3. **Prebake Crust:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the springform pan on a baking sheet and bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove and cool while you prepare the filling. ### For the Cheesecake: 1. **Prepare Cheesecake Base:** In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of sugar and continue to beat until creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. 2. **Add Eggs and Flavorings:** Add the vanilla extract and then the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream, flour, lemon zest (if using), and a pinch of salt until just combined. Avoid overmixing. 3. **Prepare for Baking:** Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the baking process. Place the partially baked crust into a larger baking pan that can hold water. 4. **Pour Batter and Bake:** Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust. Place the larger pan with the springform inside into the preheated oven and carefully pour hot water into the larger pan to create a water bath about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. 5. **Bake and Cool:** Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 60 to 75 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when shaken. Turn off the oven, prop open the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about an hour to prevent cracking. 6. **Chill Before Serving:** After cooling in the oven, remove the cheesecake from the water bath and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will help the cheesecake set completely and achieve the classic New York-style cheesecake texture. ### Enjoy! Once properly chilled, release the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice, and serve. A classic New York-style cheesecake is usually enjoyed plain or with a simple topping like fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece!

How to Make a Classic New York-Style Cheesecake

New York-style cheesecake is a beloved dessert known for its rich, creamy texture and simple yet elegant flavor. Here's a step-by-step guide to create this iconic treat at home:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 15 whole crackers)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 packages (8 ounces each) full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Springform pan (9 inches in diameter)
  • Parchment paper
  • Large roasting pan
  • Water
  • Oven

Instructions:

For the Crust:

1. Mix Graham Cracker Crumbs, Sugar, and Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened.

2. Press Into Pan: Press the mixture onto the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to help pack the crust firmly and evenly.

3. Prebake Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the springform pan on a baking sheet and bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove and cool while you prepare the filling.

For the Cheesecake:

1. Prepare Cheesecake Base: In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of sugar and continue to beat until creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.

2. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the vanilla extract and then the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream, flour, lemon zest (if using), and a pinch of salt until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

3. Prepare for Baking: Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the baking process. Place the partially baked crust into a larger baking pan that can hold water.

4. Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust. Place the larger pan with the springform inside into the preheated oven and carefully pour hot water into the larger pan to create a water bath about halfway up the sides of the springform pan.

5. Bake and Cool: Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 60 to 75 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when shaken. Turn off the oven, prop open the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about an hour to prevent cracking.

6. Chill Before Serving: After cooling in the oven, remove the cheesecake from the water bath and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will help the cheesecake set completely and achieve the classic New York-style cheesecake texture.

Enjoy!

Once properly chilled, release the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice, and serve. A classic New York-style cheesecake is usually enjoyed plain or with a simple topping like fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece!