🍰 Classic Cream Cheese Cake (New York Cheesecake)
📌 Makes: 9-inch cheesecake
⏱️ Time: 30 mins prep + 1 hour bake + chill overnight
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 crackers)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Prep the crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool.
2. Make the filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar and vanilla; beat until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating on low after each.
- Mix in sour cream and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
3. Bake:
- Pour the batter over the cooled crust.
- Wrap the pan in foil and place it in a water bath (place the springform pan in a larger pan filled halfway with hot water).
- Bake at 325°F for 1 hour, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
4. Cool & Chill:
- Turn off oven, crack the door, and let the cake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven, then refrigerate at least 6 hours (preferably overnight).
Optional Toppings:
Crushed Oreos or cookie crumbs
Fresh berries + whipped cream
Fruit compote
Chocolate ganache drizzle
Caramel sauce