Best New York Cheesecake
A rich and creamy cheesecake that's lower in calories, perfect for health-conscious individuals and ideal for meal prepping.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 cups Graham crackers, crushed Forms a buttery, crunchy crust.
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted Adds richness to the crust.
For the filling
- 24 ounces Full-fat cream cheese The creamy base that gives texture and tanginess.
- 3/4 cup Granulated sugar Enhances sweetness.
- 1/2 cup Sour cream Enhances creaminess and adds tang.
- 1/4 cup Heavy cream Brings richness and smoothness.
- 3 tablespoons Cornstarch Stabilizes the filling for a perfect set.
- 1 large Egg yolk Helps achieve a creamy consistency.
- 1 large Whole egg Helps achieve a creamy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Adds warmth and depth to flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice Brightens flavor and adds freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing the bottom and sides with unsalted butter.
- Crush graham crackers until fine and combine with melted butter and sugar in a bowl.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even layer.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes until golden and slightly firm. Remove and cool.
Cooking and Assembling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add granulated sugar and mix until well combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Incorporate the sour cream, heavy cream, egg yolk, whole egg, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- Mix on low speed until the batter is completely smooth. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes until the center is slightly set but still jiggles a bit.
- The edges should appear firm.
Serving
- Turn off the oven and open the oven door slightly, allowing the cheesecake to cool inside for an hour.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Remove from the springform pan and slice with a warm knife for clean cuts.
- Serve chilled and savor every creamy bite!
Notes
For a smooth filling, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Store slices in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.