Description
This Classic New York Cheesecake is ultra-creamy, smooth, and indulgently rich, with a buttery graham cracker crust and just the right balance of tang and sweetness. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any celebration—or just when you’re craving a timeless dessert done right.
Ingredients
For the Crust
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4 oz graham crackers (about 7 whole crackers), broken into pieces
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1/4 tsp coarse salt
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1/3 cup granulated sugar
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4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
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2 1/2 lbs cream cheese (five 8-oz packages), room temperature
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4 oz unsalted butter, room temperature
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8 oz sour cream, room temperature
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1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
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5 large eggs
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2 large egg yolks
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Zest of 1 lemon
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with foil to prevent leaks.
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Make the crust: Pulse graham crackers, salt, and sugar in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Add melted butter and pulse until combined. Press mixture into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
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Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add butter, sour cream, and sugar. Mix until well combined.
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Beat in eggs and yolks one at a time, scraping down sides. Mix in lemon zest and vanilla.
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Pour filling over cooled crust and smooth the top.
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Place the pan in a larger roasting pan and pour hot water halfway up the sides to make a water bath.
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Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top looks matte (not glossy).
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Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
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Remove from oven and chill at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
Let all ingredients come to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
Don’t skip the water bath—it’s key to avoiding cracks.
For clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: new york cheesecake, classic cheesecake, baked cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, holiday dessert