Ingredients:
For the Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 15 graham crackers)
5 Tbsp granulated sugar
6 Tbsp butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
4 (8oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup (8oz) sour cream, room temperature
Instructions:
Crust Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes then set aside to cool.
Filling Preparation: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in flour, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in sour cream just until combined.
Baking: Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the springform. Bake at 300°F for 70-80 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
Cooling: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside for 2-3 hours. Then remove, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Serving: Unmold the cheesecake and serve with your favorite toppings for an unforgettable dessert experience!
FAQs:
What is classic cheesecake made of?
This recipe makes a classic New York-style cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust and rich, dense filling made from cream cheese, eggs, sugar, sour cream, vanilla, a hint of lemon, and a few tablespoons of flour. Cream cheese is the key ingredient, so I recommend using a good brand, like Philadelphia.
What is the difference between New York style cheesecake and regular cheesecake?
Regular cheesecake relies on heavy cream and sour cream to thin the batter and create a silkier, creamier texture. New York cheesecake is heavy on the cream cheese which is why it’s so dense and rich. Extra cream cheese isn’t the only thing that makes New York cheesecake so special
What is the difference between American and Italian cheesecake?
The main difference between what we would consider typical New York American cheesecake and Italian cheesecake is that in Italy, cheesecake is made with ricotta rather than cream cheese. It is also a bit lighter and dryer, more cakelike and less cloying.
What is the difference between French and classic cheesecake?
A French Style Cheesecake is simple, elegant, and a bit different than the popular one New York Cheesecake. The French one it’s creamier and leaves you with a strong vanilla flavor from the first bite.
What makes it a New York cheesecake?
When it comes to New York style cheesecake, heavy cream or sour cream is added to the mixture to create a denser, smoother, and creamier cheesecake. A springform pan allows for even baking and a high temperature creates a nice, attractive golden brown crust.
Why is sour cream used in cheesecake?
Cheesecake is clearly a different animal from bundts or cupcakes, but sour cream has a place here too! Combined with even more densely rich cream cheese, sour cream actually tempers the star ingredient a touch, softening its texture. It also adds another layer of tangy flavor and moisture to a cheesecake.
