New York Cheesecake
Recipe Overview
Overview
The New York Cheesecake is a classic dessert that never fails to impress. This recipe takes it up a notch by incorporating brown butter into the graham cracker crust, adding a rich, nutty flavor that complements the creamy filling beautifully. The process begins with browning the butter, which not only enhances the taste but also transforms the texture of the crust.
As you prepare the filling, the combination of cream cheese, sugar, and lemon zest creates a delightful aroma that fills the kitchen. The key to a perfect cheesecake is to mix the ingredients gently to avoid incorporating too much air, ensuring a dense and creamy texture. Adding eggs one at a time allows for a smooth blend, resulting in a filling that is both rich and satisfying.
Once baked, the cheesecake is cooled and topped with a homemade berry sauce, which adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake. This sauce is simple to make, requiring just berries, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice, making it a perfect complement to the dessert. The final presentation, adorned with fresh berries, makes this cheesecake not only delicious but also visually stunning.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this New York Cheesecake is sure to be a hit. Its creamy texture, balanced flavors, and beautiful appearance make it a standout dessert that everyone will love.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Brown the butter for the graham cracker crust until golden brown bits appear.
Tip: Browning the butter adds nuttiness and transforms the cheesecake flavor.
Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until no large pieces remain.
Add salt, sugar, and brown butter to the food processor and pulse until combined.
Tip: Add just enough butter to the graham cracker crust to hold it together without making it oily.
Secure the springform pan and pour in the graham cracker crust mixture.
Press the graham cracker crust evenly across the bottom of the pan.
Tip: Use something flat to press down the graham cracker crust for an even finish.
Bake the crust for a few minutes to set.
Break up cream cheese in a bowl until evenly mixed.
Add sugar and lemon zest to the cream cheese.
Tip: Grinding lemon zest with sugar pulls out lemon oil for better flavor.
Mix the lemon sugar into the cream cheese.
Add lemon juice, sour cream, vanilla bean paste, and salt to the mixture.
Crack in four eggs one at a time, mixing fully after each addition.
Tip: Use room temperature eggs for a better cheesecake filling.
Scrape the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Pour the cheesecake filling into the baked graham cracker crust.
Bake the cheesecake low and slow.
Tip: Add lemon zest to the berry sauce for brightness.
Tip: A corn starch slurry will thicken the berry sauce.
Turn off the oven and crack the door to let the cheesecake cool slowly.
Tip: Cracking the oven door allows the cheesecake to cook slowly and prevents cracking.
Carefully open the springform pan and lift off the sides.
Heat a knife in boiling water for cutting the cheesecake.
Tip: Heat your knife in boiling water for clean cuts of cheesecake.
Dry the knife and cut the cheesecake into slices.
Plate the cheesecake and top with blueberry sauce and berries.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Ingredient: Eggs
→ Substitution: Chia Egg
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Graham Crackers
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Browning the butter for the crust adds a nutty flavor that enhances the cheesecake.
- •Using room temperature eggs helps create a smoother filling.
- •A springform pan allows for easy removal of the cheesecake after baking.
- •The addition of lemon zest brightens the flavor of the cheesecake.
- •A homemade berry sauce can elevate the dessert with fresh fruit flavors.
