New York Cheesecake

New York Cheesecake

Ingredients:

For the crust:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake filling:
– 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
– 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 4 large eggs
– ¾ cup sour cream
– ½ cup heavy cream

For the topping (optional):
– Strawberry sauce
– Fresh strawberries

Instructions:

1. Make the crust:
– Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
– In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
– Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
– Bake for 10 minutes and let it cool.

2. Make the cheesecake filling:
– In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
– Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
– Mix in vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream until fully incorporated.
– Pour the mixture over the cooled crust.

3. Bake and cool:
– Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan.
– Fill the roasting pan with hot water, halfway up the sides of the springform pan (water bath).
– Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly.
– Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour.
– Remove from the oven and let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.

4. Assemble and serve:
– Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
– Top with strawberry sauce and fresh strawberries, if desired.

5. Chill and serve:
– Refrigerate until ready to serve.
– Slice and enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
Servings: 12 slices