Indulge in the ultimate Classic New York Cheesecake, a dessert that’s creamy, rich, dense, and utterly decadent. This iconic cheesecake recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether topped with a fresh strawberry compote or enjoyed bare and simple. Trust us, one slice won’t be enough!
Ingredients:
Graham Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 whole crackers)
- 8 tablespoons (112g) melted butter
- 2 tablespoons (25g) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon (12.5g) sugar
- pinch of salt
Cheesecake:
- 2 pounds cream cheese (4, 8 oz blocks), softened
- 1 ¾ cup (350g) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25g) salt
- 3 tablespoons (22.5g) corn starch
- ½ cup (115g) sour cream
- 2 teaspoons (8.4g) vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) lemon juice
- 2 large egg yolks
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
Strawberry Topping:
- 1 lb (453.59g) strawberries, halved
- 1 cup (237ml) water
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush a 10-inch springform pan with butter and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, sugar, and salt until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and reduce oven temperature to 200°F.
- Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar, salt, and cornstarch until smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla, and lemon juice, followed by egg yolks and whole eggs. Finally, mix in milk until batter is creamy and well combined.
- Pour batter into the crust-lined pan. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow bubbles to form, then pop them with a fork. Bake at 200°F for 3-3.5 hours until set. The center should reach 165°F.
- Increase oven temperature to 450°F. Return cheesecake to the oven and bake for 4-8 minutes until the top is golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edges to prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for the best texture. For clean slices, dip a knife in hot water before cutting.
Enjoy this heavenly New York Cheesecake that’s sure to impress any crowd!
