Decadent New York Style Cheesecake
Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of this Decadent New York Style Cheesecake that was a hit at our family's Christmas gathering! With a perfectly smooth texture and a buttery graham cracker crust, this cheesecake offers endless possibilities for personalization. Serve it plain for a classic taste or dress it up with your favorite toppings like cherry pie filling, strawberry pie filling, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The creamy balance of sweet and tangy flavors is sure to impress cheesecake lovers and newcomers alike. This recipe was adapted from a cherished Philadelphia cookbook, and I promise, it's a dessert that everyone will ask for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham cracker crumbs
1 cup (crushed)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (for crust)
Margarine
3 tablespoons (melted)
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
4 (8-ounce) packages (softened)
Sugar
1 cup
Flour
3 tablespoons
Vanilla extract
1 tablespoon
Sour cream
1 cup
Eggs
4 (large)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (or 300°F for dark non-stick pans).
2
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted margarine. Mix well until the crumbs are fully coated.
3
Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
4
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar, flour, and vanilla extract, blending until fully combined.
5
Add the sour cream, mixing until incorporated. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until blended—be careful not to overmix.
6
Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top gently.
7
Bake in the oven for 65 to 70 minutes, or until the center is almost set (the cheesecake will continue to set as it cools).
8
Once done baking, run a knife or metal spatula around the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake. This will help prevent cracking.
9
Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before removing the rim of the springform pan. Enjoy with your choice of toppings!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent New York Style Cheesecake?
It is a rich and creamy dessert featuring a smooth texture and a buttery graham cracker crust, often served at family gatherings like Christmas.
What kind of crust does this cheesecake have?
This cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust made from crumbs, sugar, and melted margarine.
How do I prepare the graham cracker crust?
Combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 3 tablespoons of melted margarine, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
What temperature should the oven be for the crust?
Preheat your oven to 325°F, or 300°F if you are using dark non-stick pans.
How long should the crust bake?
The crust should be baked in the preheated oven for 10 minutes before cooling slightly.
How many packages of cream cheese are required?
This recipe requires 4 (8-ounce) packages of Philadelphia Cream Cheese.
Should the cream cheese be softened before mixing?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it beats into a smooth and creamy consistency.
What ingredients are added to the cream cheese first?
After beating the cream cheese, gradually add 1 cup of sugar, 3 tablespoons of flour, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
When do I add the sour cream to the mixture?
Add 1 cup of sour cream after the sugar, flour, and vanilla have been fully combined into the cream cheese.
How many eggs are used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 4 large eggs.
What is the proper way to add eggs to the cheesecake batter?
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until they are blended.
Why shouldn't I overmix the batter after adding eggs?
Overmixing after adding eggs can introduce too much air, which may cause the cheesecake to crack.
What size pan should be used for this cheesecake?
You should use a 9-inch springform pan for this recipe.
How long does the cheesecake bake?
The cheesecake should bake for 65 to 70 minutes.
How can I tell when the cheesecake is finished baking?
The cheesecake is done when the center is almost set; it will continue to set as it cools.
What should I do immediately after taking the cheesecake out of the oven?
Run a knife or metal spatula around the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake, which helps prevent cracking as it cools.
How long should the cheesecake chill before serving?
The cheesecake needs to refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is recommended.
What are some recommended toppings for this dessert?
You can use cherry pie filling, strawberry pie filling, or a drizzle of caramel sauce as toppings.
Can this cheesecake be served plain?
Yes, it can be served plain for a classic taste that highlights its sweet and tangy flavors.
Is this a good recipe for a holiday dessert?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as a hit at family Christmas gatherings.
Where was this recipe adapted from?
This recipe was adapted from a cherished Philadelphia cookbook.
What is the texture of this cheesecake?
The texture is described as perfectly smooth, rich, and creamy.
Does the recipe use butter or margarine for the crust?
The recipe specifically lists 3 tablespoons of melted margarine for the crust.
What is the primary flavor profile of this cheesecake?
It offers a creamy balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Should the eggs be added on a high speed setting?
No, eggs should be mixed on low speed just until they are blended.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 9 ingredients required for this recipe.
Can I use a dark non-stick pan to bake this?
Yes, but you should lower the oven temperature to 300°F if using a dark non-stick pan.
When should the springform pan rim be removed?
The rim should be removed only after the cheesecake has been refrigerated for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Is flour used in the crust or the filling?
Flour is used in the cheesecake filling to help it set.
What preparation is needed for the graham crackers?
The graham crackers should be crushed into crumbs before mixing with the sugar and margarine.