Indulge in the rich, creamy perfection of a classic New York Cheesecake, a dessert that transcends generations. This iconic treat, with its dense, smooth texture and tangy cream cheese filling, is the epitome of decadent indulgence. Forget those dry, crumbly imitations; this recipe delivers the authentic New York experience, crafted with simple, high-quality ingredients and a foolproof method that even novice bakers can master. The perfectly balanced sweetness and tang will leave you craving another slice.
Prepare for a delightful baking journey as we guide you through each step of creating this culinary masterpiece. From crafting the buttery graham cracker crust to achieving that signature creamy, dreamy filling, we’ll walk you through the process with clear instructions and helpful tips. Ready to bake the best New York Cheesecake you’ve ever tasted? Let's get started with the step-by-step guide below!
Tools Needed
- Microwave
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Ziploc bag
- 15cm diameter bottomless round cake mold
- Parchment paper
- Kitchen paper
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Aluminum foil
- Heat-resistant tray or cocotte
- Cake cooler
Ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Fresh cream (35% animal fat)
- Plain yogurt: 100g (drained)
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon juice
- Cake flour
- Crackers (Ritz recommended): 18
- Butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Crust and Batter
- Line the bottom with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides with salad oil.
- Crush crackers into fine crumbs. Melt butter in the microwave and mix with the crumbs until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared cake mold, ensuring it's tightly packed.
- Line a sieve with kitchen paper, add the yogurt, and let it drain for 30-60 minutes.
- Soften cream cheese in the microwave. Add sugar and mix until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in lemon juice, then the drained yogurt, and finally, the fresh cream and flour.
- Strain the batter through a fine-mesh sieve for a smoother texture.
Step 2. Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the batter into the prepared mold. Cover the bottom of the mold with aluminum foil. Place the mold in a heat-resistant tray and surround it with hot water (80°C). Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C for 50 minutes, covering with aluminum foil if it starts to brown too much.
Step 3. Cool and Chill
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on a cake cooler. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least half a day (or 5 hours).
Step 4. Serve
- Carefully remove the cheesecake from the mold and peel off the parchment paper.
Read more: Black Bean Muffins: Easy Recipe with Pancake Mix
Tips
- Use high-fat fresh cream (35%) for a richer cheesecake.
- Crushing the crackers finely is key for a beautiful and less crumbly base.
- Adding ingredients to the batter one at a time prevents overmixing.
- Straining the batter results in a smoother texture.
- Baking in a water bath helps create a moist and evenly baked cheesecake.
- Chilling for at least half a day allows the cheesecake to set properly.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes! You can substitute the graham cracker crust with a digestive biscuit crust, Oreo crust, or even a shortbread crust. Just ensure it's baked beforehand.
2. How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
The most common cause of cracks is uneven baking. Bake at a lower temperature for a longer time and use a water bath to create a more even heat distribution. Let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven after baking.
3. How far in advance can I make the cheesecake?
A New York Cheesecake is best made a day or two ahead of time. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set completely. It will keep well, refrigerated, for up to 5 days.
There you have it – your very own, perfectly creamy, and undeniably delicious New York Cheesecake. This recipe proves that baking this iconic dessert can be surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. Now go ahead, slice into that creamy perfection and enjoy the fruits of your labor!