10+ New York Cheesecake Recipes You’ll Love
New York cheesecake is a classic dessert that many people love for its rich and creamy texture. You can create your own delicious version of this famous treat at home with a few simple recipes.
Whether you prefer it plain or topped with fresh fruits, mastering the art of making New York cheesecake can be a rewarding experience. You’ll impress your friends and family with this delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
1) Classic Graham Cracker Crust
A classic graham cracker crust is the perfect base for your New York cheesecake. It’s simple to make and adds a sweet crunch to every bite.
To start, mix together crushed graham crackers, melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Next, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your springform pan. You want it to be even and compact. Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to set it nicely. Let it cool before adding your cheesecake filling.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt.
- Mix well until combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Allow to cool before adding filling.
2) Rich & Creamy Texture
A New York cheesecake is known for its rich and creamy texture. This dessert has a dense, smooth feel that melts in your mouth. The key ingredients create that luxurious creaminess.
Using full-fat cream cheese is important. It adds depth and richness to the flavor. Be sure to allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing. This will help achieve a smooth batter.
Another tip is to mix gently. Overmixing can introduce air, leading to cracks during baking. A perfect cheesecake should be creamy without any bubbles. Enjoy the delightful texture of a well-made New York cheesecake!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (four 8-ounce boxes) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1⅓ cups sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
3) Tangy Lemon Zest Touch
Adding lemon zest to your New York cheesecake brings a bright and tangy flavor that perfectly balances the richness. It enhances the creamy texture and provides a refreshing twist.
Just a small amount of lemon zest can make a big difference. This touch of citrus lifts the overall flavor, making each bite delightful.
You’ll enjoy the way lemon zest complements the cream cheese, making a classic cheesecake feel even more special. It’s an easy way to elevate your dessert!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 prepared graham cracker crust
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Mix in sour cream until fully combined.
- Pour mixture into the crust.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, until set.
- Let cool, then chill before serving.
4) Silky Sour Cream Layer
The silky sour cream layer adds a delightful tang to your cheesecake. It contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy base. Plus, it creates a smooth finish that looks stunning.
To make this layer, you will need sour cream, sugar, and vanilla. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and smooth. Then, spread this mixture gently on top of your baked cheesecake.
Baking the cheesecake with the sour cream layer adds flavor and helps prevent cracks. Bake the cheesecake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will set the layer perfectly without overcooking the base.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, combine sour cream, sugar, and vanilla.
- Mix until smooth.
- Spread the mixture over the cooled cheesecake.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Let it cool before serving.
5) Junior’s Famous Cheesecake
Junior’s Famous Cheesecake is a classic New York dessert that many people love. It has a rich, creamy texture and a sweet graham cracker crust. This cheesecake has been enjoyed since the 1950s and is known for its delicious taste.
To make this cheesecake, you will need a few simple ingredients. These include cream cheese, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, eggs, and heavy cream. The combination of these ingredients creates a smooth and satisfying flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
- 1 2/3 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare a springform pan with butter.
- Mix cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add cornstarch and vanilla; mix well.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
- Fold in the heavy cream gently.
- Pour the mixture into the pan.
- Bake for 1 hour, then cool before serving.
6) Biscoff Cookie Twist
If you love the rich flavor of Biscoff cookies, this cheesecake is perfect for you. It features a crust made from crushed Biscoff cookies, adding a unique taste that pairs nicely with the creamy filling.
To make it even better, top the cheesecake with a drizzle of Biscoff spread. This enhances the flavor and makes it look delicious.
Every bite will be a twist on the classic New York cheesecake that you won’t forget!
Ingredients
- 10 ½ ounces (300 grams) crushed Biscoff cookies
- 5 tablespoons (75 grams) melted butter
- 4 (8 ounce) blocks cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup Biscoff spread
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix crushed Biscoff cookies with melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla and eggs, mixing until combined.
- Pour filling over the crust.
- Bake for 50 minutes.
- Let it cool and drizzle with Biscoff spread before serving.
7) No Water Bath Required
Making a New York cheesecake can be simple and less stressful when you skip the water bath. This method helps you avoid extra steps and makes cleanup easier.
Many recipes claim that you can still achieve a creamy texture without using a water bath. This is possible when you use the right techniques, like mixing ingredients properly and controlling the oven temperature.
You can find great recipes that do not require a water bath, ensuring less fuss while baking. With just a few ingredients and patience, you can create a delicious cheesecake that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in vanilla and sour cream.
- Pour filling over crust.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes.
- Cool completely before serving.
8) Fresh Raspberry Sauce Topping
A fresh raspberry sauce is a delightful addition to your New York cheesecake. It adds a burst of flavor and vibrant color that makes your dessert look more appealing.
To make the sauce, start by cooking fresh raspberries with sugar and a bit of water in a saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it starts to simmer. You can also add a little cornstarch to thicken the sauce if you like.
After cooking, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds. This will give you a smooth sauce that perfectly complements your cheesecake.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and water.
- Cook over medium heat until it simmers.
- If desired, add cornstarch and stir to thicken.
- Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve.
- Cool the sauce before serving over cheesecake.
9) Use of Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is a key ingredient in New York cheesecake recipes. It adds a lovely warmth and boosts the sweetness of the cheesecake.
You can use either pure vanilla extract or a mix of vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste for a richer flavor. Many recipes suggest adding it to both the filling and any toppings.
When you mix in vanilla, it makes your cheesecake taste more layered and delicious. Try experimenting with the amount to find the flavor you love most!
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare your cheesecake batter according to the recipe.
- Add the vanilla extract while mixing the cream cheese and sugar.
- Mix until well combined, ensuring the vanilla is evenly distributed.
- Bake your cheesecake as directed.
10) Perfect Egg Mixing Tips
Mixing eggs properly is key to a smooth New York cheesecake. Use fresh eggs for the best results. Start with them at room temperature for easier blending.
When you add eggs to your mixture, do it one at a time. This helps ensure each egg is fully incorporated before the next one is added.
Whisk on low speed to combine the eggs with your other ingredients. Avoid over-mixing, as this can add too much air to the batter, leading to cracks during baking.
You’ll want to stop mixing when everything looks creamy and well-blended. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth, just combined.
Ingredients
- 7 whole eggs
- 1 egg yolk
Cooking Instructions
- Set eggs out to reach room temperature.
- Add eggs to the mixing bowl one at a time.
- Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Stop mixing when the mixture becomes creamy.