Create the best-ever New York cheesecake with this foolproof recipe. Learn the secrets to a perfectly smooth, creamy cheesecake without any cracks, even without a water bath.
Author:Amaya Sato
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time:5 hours 30 minutes
Yield:12 servings
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1.5 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1.5 cups sugar and flour, beating until well combined.
Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
Add eggs one at a time, beating just until incorporated after each addition. Do not overmix.
Gently fold in sour cream.
Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
Bake for 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and bake for another 60-75 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour.
Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Do not overmix the batter once eggs are added.
Cooling the cheesecake gradually in the oven helps prevent cracks.