New York cheesecake is dense, rich and smooth, with a graham cracker crust and a filling of cream cheese, sugar, eggs, sour cream and vanilla. The style was perfected in Jewish delis and restaurants in New York in the early 1900s.
Tips for a Smooth, Crack-Free Cheesecake
Bring all the ingredients to room temperature so they blend without lumps. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add the eggs one at a time on low speed; overbeating adds air, which causes cracks. Bake at a low temperature, and let the cheesecake cool slowly in the turned-off oven with the door ajar. Run a knife around the edge before releasing the springform ring.
Kosher Notes
Cheesecake is dairy (milchig) and a classic Shavuot dessert. Use cream cheese, sour cream, butter and graham crackers with a reliable hechsher.
Make-Ahead
Cheesecake needs to chill overnight and keeps for 3 days. Serve plain or with berries.

Ingredients
What I use for this recipe
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Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent leaks.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Mix until evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until completely smooth and no lumps remain, about 3 minutes.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until well combined. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed just until incorporated after each addition. Don't overmix.
- Beat in sour cream, vanilla, salt, and flour just until combined. The batter should be smooth but not airy.
- Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Place the springform pan inside a large roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
- Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Remove from water bath and cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
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