Description
A creamy, crack-free baked New York cheesecake that is rich yet light, made with simple ingredients and no water bath required. This forgiving recipe guarantees a smooth, professional-quality dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 32 ounces full-fat block-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the bottom and sides with heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent leaks.
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until resembling wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese on medium-low speed until smooth (2-3 minutes). Scrape down sides and bottom. Add sugar and beat until combined.
- Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Do not overmix. Scrape bowl again.
- Add flour and mix briefly until just combined.
- Pour filling over cooled crust and smooth top with a spatula.
- Bake at 325°F for 60-70 minutes. Edges should be set, but center should jiggle slightly like Jell-O.
- Turn off oven and crack door open. Let cheesecake cool in oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on a rack.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.
- Run a knife around the edge to loosen, remove springform ring, and slice with a warm knife.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature to prevent lumps and cracking. Do not overmix the batter after adding eggs, as this incorporates air which causes cracks. Gradual cooling in the turned-off oven is crucial for a smooth top. Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or dairy-free by substituting with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 6
Keywords: New York cheesecake, baked cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, easy dessert, graham cracker crust, no water bath