Classic New York-Style Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust
A dense and creamy cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, baked to perfection and lightly browned on top for a luscious finish. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 90 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter (melted), granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 32 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake crust for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 32 oz room temperature cream cheese with 1 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Mix in 1/2 cup sour cream and 2 tsp vanilla extract until combined. Add 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until combined — do not overmix.
- Step 4: Sift 2 tbsp all-purpose flour over the batter and gently fold in with a spatula until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Pour batter over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Tap pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Step 6: Bake cheesecake at 325°F for 55-65 minutes until edges are set and center slightly jiggles when gently shaken. Turn off oven; leave cheesecake inside with door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic New York-Style Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (25 min prep + 65 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Classic New York-Style Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic New York-Style Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic New York-Style Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic New York-Style Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
