Savor the richness and creamy texture of this Classic New York Style Cheesecake. Known for its smooth and dense consistency, this cheesecake is a timeless dessert that combines a buttery vanilla cookie crust with a luscious cream cheese filling. Topped with a tangy berry compote, it’s the perfect end to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This: This cheesecake stands out for its velvety texture and rich flavor, thanks to the generous amount of cream cheese and the subtle hint of lemon. The vanilla cookie crust provides a sweet and crunchy base that complements the creamy filling perfectly. This recipe avoids the common pitfalls of cracking by mixing the batter by hand to avoid incorporating too much air, ensuring a beautiful and smooth cheesecake.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any special gathering, this New York Style Cheesecake is sure to impress. Its elegant presentation and classic flavor make it a versatile dessert that can be dressed up with various toppings or enjoyed plain. It’s also perfect for make-ahead occasions since it needs to chill thoroughly before serving.
Decoration Tips: For a classic look, top the cheesecake with a berry compote made from mixed berries and a touch of sugar. You can also garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a more indulgent option, drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 200g vanilla cookies (use gluten-free for a celiac-friendly option)
- 75g melted butter
- For the Filling:
- 900g cream cheese (use high-quality cream cheese for the best flavor)
- 250g granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 heaping tablespoons cornstarch
- Juice and zest of half a lemon
- 120ml heavy cream
- For the Berry Compote:
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 24cm springform pan with parchment paper.
- Process the vanilla cookies into fine crumbs. Mix with the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the base of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese and sugar by hand until smooth and creamy.
- Add the lemon juice and zest. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and cornstarch, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour to prevent cracking.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before refrigerating. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Prepare the Berry Compote:
- In a small saucepan, cook the mixed berries and sugar over medium heat until the berries release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-10 minutes. Let cool.
- Serve:
- Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer to a serving plate.
- Top with the berry compote just before serving.
Enjoy this Classic New York Style Cheesecake, a rich and creamy dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion!
