Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy New York Cheesecake featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a luxuriously smooth cream cheese filling with a hint of lemon zest. Baked to perfection and chilled until set, this timeless dessert offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tang that you’ll love with every bite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
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Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom (and slightly up the sides) of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool while preparing the filling.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add 1 ¼ cups sugar and continue beating until well combined.
- Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition.
- Stir in the flour until just combined.
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Assemble & Bake:
- Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust in the springform pan.
- Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 55–65 minutes, until the center is just set and still slightly jiggly.
- For a creamier texture and to prevent cracks, you can bake the cheesecake in a water bath.
-
Cool & Chill:
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
- Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely.
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Serve:
- Run a knife around the edge before releasing the springform pan.
- Slice and enjoy this classic dessert!
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother filling.
- If baking in a water bath, wrap the bottom of the pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in.
- Chilling overnight enhances the flavor and texture of the cheesecake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg