New York Cheesecake
Dense, creamy, and utterly indulgent classic New York-style cheesecake. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 100 minutes layers softened cream cheese, sugar, sour cream 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 380 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
- 32 oz, softened cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 5 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 cups, crushed graham crackers
- 6 tbsp, melted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Wrap a 9-inch springform pan bottom with foil.
- Step 2: Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press into pan bottom.
- Step 3: Bake crust 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Step 4: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Step 5: Add sour cream and vanilla. Mix well.
- Step 6: Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low after each.
- Step 7: Fold in flour, lemon zest, and salt.
- Step 8: Pour over crust. Place in a roasting pan with 1 inch of hot water.
- Step 9: Bake 60-70 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
- Step 10: Turn off oven, crack door, and let cool 1 hour inside.
- Step 11: Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does New York Cheesecake take to make?
Total time is about 100 minutes (30 min prep + 70 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 New York Cheesecake?
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 New York Cheesecake?
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 New York Cheesecake 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 New York Cheesecake?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Smooth and rich. The texture was flawless and the flavor was perfect.
- ★★★★★
Served with a berry compote. A elegant dessert for a dinner party.
- ★★★★★
A showstopper. The flavors were balanced and the texture was perfect.