Cheesecake Recipe
Classic New York-style cheesecake with a graham cracker crust.
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Ingredients
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Crust
Filling
Method
Crust Preparation
- 1
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2
Mix Crust Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- 3
Form the Crust
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until slightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool.
Filling Preparation
- 4
Prepare the Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- 5
Add Sugar and Mix
Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
- 6
Incorporate Sour Cream and Vanilla
Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until blended and smooth.
- 7
Add Eggs
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Do not overmix.
- 8
Add Flour
Sift in the all-purpose flour and gently fold it into the mixture until just combined.
- 9
Pour Filling into Crust
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Baking and Cooling
- 10
Bake the Cheesecake
Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- 11
Turn Off Oven
Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- 12
Chill the Cheesecake
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.