A little adventure for your everyday table
United States · Homemade, your way

New York Cheesecake

Bake a rich cream-cheese cheesecake over a graham cracker crust, then cool gradually and chill thoroughly for a smooth, sliceable dessert.

Prep time
25 min
Cook time
1 hr 20 min
Total time
9 hr 45 min
Servings
12
↓ Jump to recipe
VegetarianMake Ahead
New York cheesecake; a photographed serving suggestion.
Photo: Muago · Source · CC0. Serving suggestion.

Room-temperature dairy blends more smoothly and reduces the beating needed for the filling. Mix on low speed after adding eggs so excess air does not inflate the cake. A separate pan of hot water adds moisture to the oven without immersing the springform pan. Resting time includes two hours of cooling and six hours of refrigeration.

Let’s make it

New York Cheesecake

Serves 12 · Prep 25 min · Cook 1 hr 20 min · Rest 8 hr · Total 9 hr 45 min

Ingredients

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Heat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9-inch (23 cm) springform base with parchment. Mix crumbs, butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar; press into base. Bake 10 minutes.
  2. Beat cream cheese and remaining sugar smooth. Mix in sour cream, flour, vanilla, and lemon, then eggs one at a time on low. Pour over crust.
  3. Place hot water in a separate oven-safe pan on the lower rack. Bake cheesecake above it for 60 to 70 minutes, until center reaches 160°F (71°C) and is just set.
  4. Turn oven off; crack door and cool 1 hour. Cool on a rack 1 hour, then refrigerate 6 hours before unmolding.

A few kitchen notes

  • Use a thin thermometer probe near the center to check doneness.

Ingredient substitutions

  • Use plain full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Storage & reheating

Refrigerate after cooling and keep covered for 4 days. Freeze slices for 1 month.

What to serve with it

Serve with fresh berries or a spoonful of cherry sauce.

A conversation around the table

Comments & kitchen questions

Have a question, a useful substitution, or a result to share? Your feedback helps us make this recipe clearer and more useful.

Loading the kitchen conversation…

Your name and comment can appear publicly after review. Please leave out private details. Comments are moderated before publication.

Questions from the kitchen

Can I make New York Cheesecake ahead?

Refrigerate after cooling and keep covered for 4 days. Freeze slices for 1 month.

What if I can’t find an ingredient?

Use plain full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.