Easy New York Cheesecake Recipe: Creamy Dreamy Perfection

Crafting a delectable new york cheesecake demands precision and passion for baking.

Sweet memories of creamy desserts inspire this classic recipe.

Rich cream cheese blends seamlessly with smooth, velvety textures that melt on your tongue.

Bakers treasure this iconic dessert for its luxurious consistency and decadent flavor profile.

Crisp graham cracker crusts provide the perfect foundation for each silky slice.

Professional techniques elevate this treat from ordinary to extraordinary.

Whip up this sensational dessert and watch everyone’s eyes light with pure delight.

Nigella New York Cheesecake Recipe Ingredient List

• Graham Crackers: Classic sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the cracker crumbs and creates a rich, golden base.

• Cream Cheese: The primary creamy and tangy component that defines the cheesecake's signature texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth, balanced flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the cheesecake's flavor profile.
• Lemon Zest: Brings a bright, subtle citrus note that enhances the overall taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevent cracking.

• Eggs: Act as a crucial binding agent and contribute to the creamy texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture, tanginess, and creates a silky smooth consistency.
• Fresh Raspberries: Offers a fresh, vibrant topping that complements the rich cheesecake.

How To Make Nigella New York Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 160°C (320°F) and grab a springform pan. Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper to create a smooth exit path for your cheesecake later.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Crust Base

Grab your favorite graham crackers or digestive biscuits and crush them into fine crumbs. Melt butter and mix thoroughly with the crumbs until they stick together. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of your pan. Pop the pan in the refrigerator to chill and set for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Filling

Grab your electric mixer and beat the cream cheese until it becomes silky smooth and free of lumps. Sprinkle in sugar, add vanilla extract, and grate some fresh lemon zest for a bright undertone.

Step 4: Stabilize The Mixture

Sift flour into the cream cheese mixture, stirring gently to incorporate without creating air bubbles.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing completely after each addition. This helps create a smooth, consistent texture.

Step 6: Blend Sour Cream

Fold in sour cream gently, creating a luxurious and creamy consistency.

Step 7: Fill The Crust

Pour the filling into your prepared crust, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Bake for 75-90 minutes. The center should be just set but still slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan.

Step 9: Slow Cool Down

Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool slowly for 2 hours. This prevents cracking.

Step 10: Chill And Set

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up completely.

Step 11: Garnish And Serve

Top with fresh raspberries just before serving. Slice with a warm knife for clean edges.

Tips For Perfect Nigella New York Cheesecake Recipe

• Prevent Cracking: Wrap the springform pan with aluminum foil and place in a water bath to ensure even, gentle heating and prevent surface cracks.
• Room Temperature Matters: Let cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before mixing to achieve a smoother, lump-free batter.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Mix ingredients at low speed and avoid overmixing to prevent incorporating too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to rise and fall, creating cracks.
• Perfect Cooling Process: After baking, let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause splitting.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cheesecake a day in advance and refrigerate overnight for better texture and easier slicing.

Fun Twists On Nigella New York Cheesecake Recipe

• Gluten-Free Cheesecake: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for the base. Use certified gluten-free cream cheese and double-check all ingredients.
• Vegan Cheesecake: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Replace eggs with silken tofu or aquafaba. Use coconut cream instead of sour cream for richness.
• Low-Carb Cheesecake: Create a crust using ground almonds or crushed pecans instead of biscuits. Swap sugar with stevia or erythritol. Use full-fat cream cheese and reduce overall carbohydrate content.
• Lemon Berry Cheesecake: Increase lemon zest and add fresh blueberries or mixed berries into the batter.

Pairing Ideas For Nigella New York Cheesecake Recipe

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, creamy texture of the cheesecake, cutting through its sweetness with deep tannic notes.
• Match with Fresh Berry Cocktail: Create a raspberry martini or champagne cocktail that echoes the raspberry topping, enhancing the dessert's fruity undertones and providing a refreshing contrast.
• Balance with Strong Espresso: Serve a double shot of espresso or cappuccino alongside the cheesecake, allowing the coffee's bitter depth to offset the dessert's creamy sweetness and cleanse the palate.
• Complement with Dessert Wine: Choose a late-harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti, whose honeyed sweetness and light acidity will harmonize beautifully with the cheesecake's smooth profile.

Keep Nigella New York Cheesecake Recipe Fresh

• Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keeps fresh for 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
• Slice cheesecake into portions, wrap each individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to soften texture and enhance flavors.
• Avoid microwaving as it can make cheesecake rubbery and destroy its creamy texture. Enjoy cold for best taste and consistency.

FAQs For Nigella New York Cheesecake Recipe

• What makes the crust crispy and flavorful?

The combination of crushed biscuits and melted butter creates a buttery, crunchy base that adds texture and rich flavor to the cheesecake.

• Why is it important to add eggs one at a time?

Adding eggs individually helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy cheesecake texture by allowing each egg to fully incorporate into the mixture.

• How does cooling the cheesecake in the oven prevent cracking?

Gradual cooling with the oven door slightly open helps the cheesecake cool slowly, preventing sudden temperature changes that can cause unsightly cracks in the surface.

• Can I use different types of biscuits for the crust?

Yes, graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or shortbread cookies work well as alternatives to create a delicious and crispy cheesecake base.

What Makes Nigella New York Cheesecake Recipe Special

• Create Bakery-Quality Dessert: Craft a professional-grade New York cheesecake right in your kitchen with simple ingredients and basic baking skills.
• Minimal Preparation Needed: Requires straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can master, with minimal complex techniques or specialized equipment.
• Perfect for Special Celebrations: Ideal dessert for birthdays, holidays, dinner parties, or when you want to impress guests with a classic, creamy treat that looks stunning and tastes incredible.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like adding fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, or different fruit toppings to match your taste preferences and make the dessert uniquely yours.

New York Cheesecake Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy New York Cheesecake tempts with its silky texture and rich Philadelphia cream cheese base. Classic graham cracker crust provides the perfect foundation for this iconic dessert you’ll savor down to the last heavenly bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 750 grams (26.5 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 eggs
• 300 milliliters (10.1 fluid ounces) light sour cream
• 215 grams (1 cup) caster sugar

Crust Ingredients:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) plain sweet biscuits
• 125 grams (4.4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 120 grams (4.2 ounces) fresh or frozen raspberries
• 300 milliliters (10.1 fluid ounces) light sour cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 160°C oven and line a springform pan with parchment paper for optimal baking performance.
2. Transform graham crackers into fine crumbs, blend thoroughly with melted butter, creating a cohesive base mixture that will form a sturdy foundation for the cheesecake.
3. Carefully press the crumb mixture into the pan’s bottom and sides, ensuring an even, compact layer. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to solidify the crust.
4. Whip cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency, creating a smooth canvas for additional ingredients.
5. Gradually incorporate sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, blending until the mixture becomes uniform and fragrant.
6. Gently sift flour into the cream cheese mixture, stirring carefully to prevent lumps and maintain a velvety texture.
7. Introduce eggs one at a time, incorporating each completely before adding the next, which helps maintain the batter’s structural integrity.
8. Delicately fold sour cream into the mixture, creating a luxurious, creamy consistency that will contribute to the cheesecake’s signature richness.
9. Transfer the prepared batter into the chilled crust, spreading evenly and eliminating any potential air pockets.
10. Bake for 75-90 minutes, monitoring until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly, indicating perfect doneness.
11. Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly open, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually for approximately 2 hours, preventing potential cracking.
12. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to fully set and develop optimal flavor and texture.
13. Before serving, garnish with fresh raspberries, adding a vibrant and tangy complement to the creamy dessert.

Notes

• Prevent cracks by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to create a smooth, uniform batter.
• Use a water bath technique by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to ensure even, gentle baking and prevent surface cracking.
• Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version of the cheesecake.
• Cut clean slices by dipping your knife in hot water and wiping dry between each cut for picture-perfect presentation.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg