Description
This rich and creamy New York Cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and a subtle citrus tang. Baked in a water bath for even cooking and crack prevention, it’s a foolproof recipe perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 32 oz cream cheese (four 8-oz blocks), at room temperature
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon packed lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and wrap the outside of a springform pan with two layers of heavy-duty foil. Spray the inside with nonstick spray.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
- Using a mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour on medium speed until smooth.
- Add vanilla, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Mix gently to combine.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Scrape the bowl as needed.
- Stir in the sour cream until batter is smooth and uniform.
- Pour the batter over the crust in the springform pan.
- Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan and pour boiling water into the roasting pan to come 1 inch up the sides.
- Bake for 90 to 105 minutes, until set with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Let the cheesecake cool in the water bath for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Slice with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts. Serve plain or with toppings.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent cracking.
- Wrap the springform pan well to avoid water leakage.
- Refrigerate overnight for clean slicing and best flavor.
- Cheesecake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 659
- Sugar: 49 g
- Sodium: 464 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 233 mg
Keywords: New York Cheesecake, classic cheesecake, baked cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, graham cracker crust, lemon cheesecake, rich dessert