Perfect Cheesecake?

Every pizza is a personal pizza if you believe in yourself. — Anonymous.

First of all, let me say, this recipe is a disaster. It’s lacking in clear instructions and organization, and it’s just a mess. But fear not, I’m here to save the day with a proper cheesecake recipe that will blow your mind.

Now, here’s a proper cheesecake recipe for you.

Classic New York-Style Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups (230g) Graham cracker crumbs (from about 15 Graham crackers)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Pinch salt
• 4 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon (60g) unsalted butter (if using salted butter, omit the pinch of salt), melted
• 2 pounds (900g) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 1/3 cups (270g) sugar
• Pinch salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup (160ml) sour cream, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup (160ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (475ml) sour cream
• 1/3 cup (35g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 12 ounces (340g) fresh raspberries
• 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water

Special Equipment:

• 1 (9x2 3/4-inch) round springform pan
• 1 roasting pan
• Stand mixer

Instructions:

Prepare the crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor or blender until finely ground. Put in a large bowl, and stir in the sugar and salt. Stir in the melted butter.
3. Use a 9x2 3/4-inch round springform pan. Gently press down on the crumbs using your fingers, until the crumbs are a nice even layer at the bottom of the pan, with maybe just a slight rise along the inside edges of the pan.
4. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.
5. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Triple wrap the pan in heavy duty foil.

Make the cheesecake:

1. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the sugar and beat for 4 minutes.
2. Add the salt and vanilla, then the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed for 30 seconds after each addition. Add the sour cream and mix on medium speed until incorporated.
3. Add the heavy cream and mix on low speed until incorporated.
4. Place the foil-wrapped springform pan in a large, high-sided roasting pan. Prepare 2 quarts of boiling water. Pour the cream cheese filling into the springform pan, over the graham cracker bottom layer.
5. Without touching the hot oven, carefully pour the hot water into the roasting pan to create a water bath for the cheesecake, pouring until the water reaches halfway up the side of the springform pan, about 1 1/4 inches.
6. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1 1/2 hours.
7. Turn off the oven and crack open the oven door 1 inch. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for another hour.
8. Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight.

Finish and Serve the Cheesecake:

1. Prepare the sour cream topping by mixing the sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Prepare the raspberry sauce by placing raspberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Mash the raspberries and heat on medium for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Remove the cheesecake from the fridge and remove the foil. Run a blunt knife between the edge of the cake and the pan, then carefully release the sides of the pan and lift it off.
4. Spread the top with the sour cream mixture. Serve plain or drizzle individual slices with raspberry sauce.

Now, that’s a proper cheesecake recipe. And please, for the love of all things culinary, use a proper water bath. Don’t even think about skipping that step.

Wine Pairing

Grab a bottle of a rich and buttery Chardonnay, like the Rombauer Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay, to help you cope with the impending disaster of following this recipe.

Bon Appétit

If you’ve baked your Classic New York-Style Cheesecake to creamy perfection, achieving a velvety texture and rich flavor that’s reminiscent of the iconic dessert from the Big Apple, then you’re indulging in a slice of culinary heaven. Craving more culinary adventures that transport you to the bustling streets of Manhattan with each bite? Hit that subscribe button for a journey through the world of decadent desserts. And if you’ve mastered the art of creating a cheesecake that’s smooth, creamy, and downright irresistible, please, share your culinary prowess in the comments. Or, perhaps in the spirit of dessert delight, it’s best to quietly savor your Classic New York-Style Cheesecake, knowing that sometimes the sweetest moments are the ones enjoyed with a forkful of deliciousness.