Famous New York Cheesecake
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Servings: 16
Calories: 478.1 per serving
Rating: 4.5 stars
Description:
Indulge in the epitome of creamy delight with this Famous New York Cheesecake, a harmonious blend of carefully selected ingredients perfected over time. This cheesecake recipe is the culmination of experimentation, merging the best elements from various recipes until achieving a divine balance that guarantees an empty plate every time it graces the table. It’s a dessert that promises satisfaction, leaving no room for leftovers, only memories of its exquisite taste lingering on the palate.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 5 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 5 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until well mixed.
-
Press Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly onto the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even crust.
-
Bake Crust: Place the prepared crust in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 7 minutes, until it sets and turns lightly golden. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool while preparing the filling.
-
Adjust Oven Temperature: Increase the oven temperature to 475°F (245°C) in preparation for baking the cheesecake.
-
Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1 3/4 cups sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, eggs, egg yolks, and almond extract. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
-
Incorporate Cream: Gradually add the heavy whipping cream to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Pour Filling: Pour the prepared filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
-
Initial Bake: Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake at 475°F (245°C) for 10 minutes. This high initial temperature helps to set the edges of the cheesecake quickly.
-
Reduce Temperature: After 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 200°F (95°C) and continue baking for an additional hour. The lower temperature ensures gentle and even baking, resulting in a creamy texture throughout.
-
Cool in Oven: Once the baking time is complete, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another hour. Allowing it to cool gradually in the oven helps prevent cracks from forming on the surface.
-
Chill: After cooling in the oven, remove the cheesecake and let it cool slightly at room temperature. Then, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill overnight, or for at least 4-6 hours, until fully set.
-
Serve: Before serving, top the chilled cheesecake with your favorite fruits if desired, adding a touch of freshness and color.
-
Baker’s Tip: To minimize the risk of cracks, place a pan or bowl of water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking. This added moisture helps create a more humid environment, reducing the likelihood of surface cracks.
Enjoy: Indulge in each velvety bite of this Famous New York Cheesecake, savoring its rich creaminess and delicate almond undertones. Whether served as a decadent dessert for a special occasion or as a delightful treat for a weeknight indulgence, this cheesecake is sure to captivate taste buds and leave a lasting impression.
