Classic New York-Style Cheesecake

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Begin by preheating your oven and preparing a 9-inch springform pan. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any possible drips.

2. Make the Crust

To make the crust, pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until they turn into fine crumbs. Mix these crumbs with the sugar and melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan and bake it in the preheated oven until it sets and turns golden, which should take about 10 minutes. Remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

3. Prepare the Filling

For the filling, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl. This step is crucial, as beating these ingredients together until smooth ensures your cheesecake will have a creamy texture without lumps. Once the mixture is smooth, add the sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until everything is well combined. Then, add the eggs and yolks one at a time, beating after each addition. This gradual incorporation helps maintain the creamy consistency of the filling.

4. Pour Filling Over Crust

Pour the prepared filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. This helps the cheesecake bake evenly and gives it a beautiful finish.

5. Bake the Cheesecake

Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake it initially at a high temperature for 10 minutes. Then, lower the oven temperature and continue baking until the cheesecake is set. To check if it’s done, use an instant-read thermometer; the center should read around 150°F. This method prevents overcooking and ensures that the cheesecake sets properly.

6. Loosen the Cake

Once the cheesecake is done, run a paring knife around the inside edge of the pan to loosen the cake. This step helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking as it cools.

7. Cool and Refrigerate

Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature before refrigerating it for several hours or overnight. This cooling period is essential for the cheesecake to fully set and develop its flavors.

8. Serve the Cheesecake

When you’re ready to serve, let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Use a hot, dry knife to cut neat slices. Heating the knife in hot water and drying it before each cut helps in making clean slices without cracking the top.