New york cheesecake recipe

The classic New York-style cheesecake! Here's a recipe that yields a creamy, dense, and utterly delicious cheesecake with a firm texture and a golden-brown crust:

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake:

• 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the cheesecake: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
4. Add the heavy cream: Beat in the heavy cream until well combined.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter: Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan over the crust.
6. Bake the cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking, as this can cause the cheesecake to dry out.
7. Cool the cheesecake: Let the cheesecake cool in the pan for 1 hour, then run a knife around the edges to release it. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Chill the cheesecake: Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
9. Serve: Release the springform pan sides and transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate. Slice and serve with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.

Tips and Variations:

• To ensure a firm texture, make sure to not overmix the batter and to bake the cheesecake until it's just slightly jiggly in the center.
• For a water bath, wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil and place it in a larger pan filled with water to about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This helps to prevent cracking and promotes even baking.
• To add flavor, try adding different extracts like almond, coffee, or orange to the batter.
• For a browned top, broil the cheesecake for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Enjoy your delicious New York-style cheesecake!