Perfect New York Style Cheesecake (no cracks)

Whoa! Time, where have you gone? Somehow, despite our relatively early preparations for Christmas, I am nonetheless shocked upon a peek at the calendar.

How is it that Christmas is just a bit over a week from now? When did that happen?

Amidst my crazy – albeit totally fun – baking projects and weekly holiday events, I’m trying (trying!) to take moments to breathe slowly and deeply, sing loudly, and continue to count blessings. (I did mention 1000 Gifts, right?)

New York Cheesecake 2

Let’s talk Cheesecake. Perfect…New York Style…Cheesecake. I’m all over it.

Hubby is every bit as much of a cheesecake fiend (aka snob) as I am. I admit it. I seriously, one-hundred-percent honestly never order cheesecake at restaurants anymore. That includes my old friend, The Cheesecake Factory. I will always have a soft spot for that place, but I don’t go for cheesecakes like I once did.

Because few things come close to a perfectly dense, rich, creamy New York Cheesecake you make yourself. White Chocolate Cheesecake on Oreo Crust? Got it. Pumpkin Cheesecake on Gingersnap Crust. Done.

An entire cheesecake, not just a slice. An entire cheesecake every bit as good as your fave restaurant, full of oooohs and aahhhs. No sinking, cracking center. Cheesecake perfection in every sense of the word…

New York Cheesecake 3

This is not a wimpy cheesecake. It’s not fluffy, airy, or whippy, whatever that means. It’s truly a New York Style Cheesecake, unabashedly rich and decadent.

And it is easy. It’s so easy to bake up your own mouthwatering cheesecake at home. This cheesecake uses a low and slow baking method to get its beautiful crack-free, sink-free top. This cheesecake does not need a bunch of frills on top to hide unsightly cracks.

We love just spooning some fresh berries over each slice. Keep it simple. Of course, a dollop of stabilized whipped cream (no runny, melty mess!) will not be refused.

New York Cheesecake

So…if you’re still looking for a perfect dessert to serve for that holiday dinner, party, get-together…here it is.

Make this cheesecake ahead of time, even up to 3 days, and keep chilled in fridge.

IF you have any leftover slices or if you just want to make a whole cheesecake for yourself (been there, done that) this cheesecake freezes nicely. Just slice, wrap, freeze, and thaw whenever you want blissful indulgence.

Enjoy!

Perfect New York Style Cheesecake (no cracks)

5 from 2 ratings

Print Pin Save

This is a true New York Cheesecake - rich, thick, creamy, smooth, and decadent. The low/slow baking method prevents sinking/cracking on top. Can be made 2-3 days ahead of time and chilled until ready to serve. Leftovers freeze very well.

Servings:

Ingredients

3 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup salted butter, melted
5 8 oz each blocks cream cheese, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 TB all purpose flour
¼ cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 9 or 10-inch springform pan on bottom/sides. Set aside.
Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press firmly and evenly into prepared springform pan. Bake crust for 8 minutes.
Turn oven down to 225F. Place large pan of water on lowest rack.
In bowl of stand mixer, combine softened cream cheese (the softer the better) and sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Add flour and heavy cream, blending and scraping down sides until fully incorporated and smooth.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Place springform pan on large baking sheet.
Bake in center rack, until filling seems mostly set, about 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Center may still jiggle a bit, but it will set upon chilling.
Turn oven off. Crack oven open a bit, and allow cheesecake to cool at least 2 hours or longer (I leave it until it reaches room temp.)
Chill in fridge overnight in springform pan, up to 3 days.
Run thin knife carefully around edges of pan, and release springform, when ready to serve.
* For a simple but yummy strawberry topping, slice up 16-20 oz strawberries, mix with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and allow to macerate a bit. Spoon over cheesecake slices.

Click here to add your own private notes.

Course: Dessert