New York Style Cheesecake
A rich and creamy New York Style Cheesecake with a smooth, dense texture and a hint of lemon. Its classic flavor pairs well with fresh fruit or a berry compote, making it perfect for special occasions or a decadent dessert for cheesecake lovers. A must-try for fans of creamy, baked desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups sugar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese ⓘ
- 4 large eggs ⓘ
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the sides of a 9-inch springform pan with vegetable cooking spray.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix well and press into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add remaining 1 cup of sugar, plain yogurt, flour, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon peel, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust in the springform pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, spread sour cream evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute. You can also use a premade graham cracker crust if you're short on time. To enhance flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve it with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with California Icebox Fruitcake for a festive dessert spread. A dollop of whipped cream on top can also elevate the presentation and taste.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It can last for up to five days. If you want to freeze it, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New York Style Cheesecake contains roughly 475 calories, with 7g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead. It's best when chilled for at least four hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld. You can also freeze it for up to two months and thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Why did my cheesecake crack while baking?
Cracks in cheesecake can occur due to sudden temperature changes or overmixing. To minimize cracking, avoid opening the oven door during baking and use a water bath for even cooking. If cracks do form, a sour cream topping can help disguise them.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it may affect the creaminess and richness of the cheesecake. For the best results, consider using a combination of low-fat cream cheese and full-fat sour cream to maintain texture while reducing calories.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).