New York cheesecake is one of the most famous desserts in the world. This dish is a great American staple. It is rich, creamy, and thick. You could have seen long lines outside Junior’s Cheesecake in New York City or the charming tiny place called Eileen’s Special Cheesecake in Cleveland Place, New York, NY, if you’ve ever traveled the crowded streets of Manhattan. People generally say that both locations have the best cheesecake in New York City, and travelers come from far away to try it.
But here’s the good news: making the best New York-style cheesecake at home isn’t as hard as it appears. With the appropriate recipe, some time, and a little love, you can make a cheesecake that is just as good as the ones from Junior’s or the Cheesecake Factory in New York.
What is New York Style Cheesecake?
A lot of people want to know what makes New York style cheesecake different from other types of cheesecake, so let’s get to the answer before we go into the recipe.
Both the amount of sugar and the method of baking make a difference. A genuine New York cheesecake is baked, not no-bake, and it always has full-fat cream cheese as its main ingredient. Adding sour cream and heavy cream makes it smooth and velvety. The end result is a cheesecake that is rich and creamy, firm and soft, and delicious with every bite. This is the real stuff, the original cheesecake that New York is famous for. It’s neither a light Japanese cheesecake or a no-bake variant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get all of these ingredients combine to make the best New York cheesecake ever. It will be completely different if you use high-quality:
For the crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp sugar
For the filling:
- 4 packs (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- A pinch of salt
These simple ingredients come together to create a cheesecake that tastes like it came straight from the streets of New York.
Step-by-Step New York Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Crust
A buttery graham cracker crust is a important ingredient of the traditional New York cheesecake recipe, which is based on cheesecake in general. To make the graham cracker crumbs, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter and sugar until the mixture looks like damp sand.
Make sure the bottom of a springform pan is evenly covered with this mixture by pressing it firmly.
After 10 minutes in the oven at 325°F (160°C), remove from the oven and allow to cool. The crunchy topping will complement the creamy filling beautifully.
Step 2: Making the Filling
The filling is what really makes a cheesecake special. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it is totally smooth and free of lumps.
While vigorously beating, gradually include sugar and a small teaspoon of salt. Then, add the vanilla essence and mix well.
To avoid incorporating too much air, add the eggs one by one while mixing on moderate speed.
The cheesecake’s distinctive velvety texture is achieved by combining sour cream and heavy cream, which are then whisked into the mixture.
Step 3: Assembling and Baking
Pour the filling into the cooled crust. To prevent cracks, bake the cheesecake in a water bath. Wrap the outside of your springform pan in foil and place it inside a larger roasting pan filled with hot water. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still jiggle slightly when you gently shake the pan.
Step 4: Cooling it Down
There is a common mistake that many people make— they rush the cooling process.To keep it flake-free, a genuine New York cheesecake needs time to chill. After the cheesecake has baked for one hour, remove it from the oven and let it rest for another hour with the door slightly ajar. Then, take it out and let it cool to room temperature. Then, put it in the fridge for at least eight hours, or even overnight. Being patient will yield the creamiest texture imaginable.
Step 5: Serving the Cheesecake
You don’t need to add much to a classic New York cheesecake to make it taste good. The way New Yorkers adore it is plain, so you may serve it that way.
However, you can jazz it up a bit by topping it with blueberry sauce, fresh strawberries, or even
chocolate drizzle. Slice it with a hot, sharp knife for clean edges, and serve chilled.
Variations You Can Try
- Easy New York Cheesecake Recipe: If you want to make it faster, skip the water bath. You might see a few cracks, but don’t worry; it still tastes great.
- Mini New York Cheesecakes: Use muffin tins to bake the same recipe in smaller portions.
- Royal New York Cheesecake Blizzard: Crumble your cheesecake into ice cream for a rich dessert, just like Dairy Queen does.
Where to Find the Best Cheesecake in New York
If you’re planning a trip to NYC, here’s where you must stop:
- Junior’s Cheesecake in New York is the best cheesecake in the world.
- Eileen’s Special Cheesecake is known for being lighter and melting in your tongue.
- Cheesecake Factory New York is a prominent chain around the country where cheesecake enthusiasts may choose from a wide range of flavors.
These places are often hailed as having the best New York cheesecake in NYC, and once you taste them, you’ll understand why.
Pro Tips for Perfect New York Cheesecake
- Always use full-fat cream cheese. Low-fat versions will not give the same creamy texture.
- Avoid overbeating your batter—air bubbles cause cracks.
- Bake at low temperature for a longer time.
- Always chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs – People Also Ask
- What makes New York cheesecake different?
It’s denser, richer, and always baked with cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. - What is the most famous cheesecake in New York?
Junior’s New York Cheesecake is the most famous, although Eileen’s Special Cheesecake is also very popular. - Can I make New York cheesecake at home?
Yes! You can make a cheesecake that tastes like it came from a bakery at home with this recipe. - Is New York cheesecake served plain or with toppings?
A classic without any toppings, though you may always add fruit, chocolate, or whipped cream. - What’s the best cheesecake in NYC?
When it comes to Best New York City cheesecakes, locals recommend Junior’s and Eileen’s..
Conclusion
The New York cheesecake is more than simply dessert; it’s a piece of New York. For decades, this dessert has defined American pleasure, from the world-famous Junior’s in Brooklyn to the exquisite Eileen’s Special Cheesecake. You don’t have to wait till you get to New York City to make this New York-style cheesecake. You can make the creamiest, richest, and most delicious cheesecake in your own kitchen.
When you want something really exceptional, don’t buy a cake from the store. Instead, make this classic New York cheesecake. You never know—your version might become the next family favorite or even compete with next York’s legendary cheesecakes.
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