New York Cheesecake Recipe: Serious Eats' Ultimate Guide

Indulge in the Cream of the City: A New York Cheesecake Recipe from Serious Eats

If there's one dessert that truly embodies the spirit of New York, it's the New York cheesecake. This iconic treat, with its rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor, has been a staple in the city's culinary scene for decades. Today, we're thrilled to share a recipe that captures the essence of this beloved dessert, courtesy of the food enthusiasts at Serious Eats.

Understanding the New York Cheesecake

Before we dive into the recipe, let's first understand what sets a New York cheesecake apart from its counterparts. The key lies in its dense, velvety texture, achieved by using a higher ratio of cream cheese to other ingredients, and baking it in a water bath to ensure even heat distribution. The result is a cheesecake that's rich, smooth, and practically melts in your mouth.

The Serious Eats New York Cheesecake Recipe

Now that we've set the stage, let's get down to business. The following recipe is adapted from Serious Eats' comprehensive guide to making the perfect New York cheesecake. It serves 12-16 people and requires about 1 hour and 30 minutes of active time, plus several hours of chilling time.

Ingredients

• For the crust:
• 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted

• 32 ounces (907g) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (296g) sour cream, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream, at room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter until well mixed. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
3. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C). In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the sour cream, heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
5. Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan and pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
6. Bake the cheesecake for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door closed for an additional 30 minutes.
7. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.

Serving and Storage

When you're ready to serve, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan and transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh berries, if desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips for Cheesecake Success

With these tips and the Serious Eats New York cheesecake recipe in hand, you're well on your way to baking a show-stopping dessert that'll have your friends and family raving. Happy baking!