Celebrate a slice of New York's culinary heritage with this Iconic New York Cheesecake. Known globally for its rich, creamy texture and refined flavor, this cheesecake stands as a testament to the simplicity and elegance of classic dessert making. Its velvety cream cheese filling, subtly enhanced with a hint of lemon, rests on a buttery graham cracker crust, all topped with a smooth sour cream layer and a vibrant strawberry coulis. Each component complements the others perfectly, creating a harmonious blend that's both indulgent and comforting.
Why You'll Love This: This New York Cheesecake is not just a dessert; it's an experience. The dense, smooth filling provides a satisfying contrast to the crunchy crust, while the sour cream topping adds a delightful tanginess that cuts through the richness. The strawberry coulis, with its hint of cinnamon, offers a refreshing burst of flavor, making each bite as exciting as the last. It's a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a masterpiece of flavors and textures.
Perfect Occasion: This cheesecake is ideal for any celebration where you want to impress—be it a festive family gathering, a formal dinner party, or a special occasion like an anniversary or a birthday. It’s also perfect for a quiet evening at home when you want to indulge in a slice of luxury. Share it with friends, family, or colleagues, and watch as it becomes the highlight of your event.
Decoration Tips: For an elegant presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving. Arrange a few fresh strawberries around the cheesecake for added color and freshness. If you're feeling creative, a drizzle of dark chocolate can add a sophisticated touch that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
Ingredients:
- For the Base:
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 200 grams of graham crackers or similar
- 90 grams of unsalted butter, melted
- For the Filling:
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 274 grams of sugar
- 15 ml of lemon juice
- 18 grams of cornstarch
- 5 ml of vanilla essence
- 5 large eggs, at room temperature
- 220 grams of sour cream, at room temperature
- 1,250 grams of cream cheese, at room temperature
- For the Topping:
- 20 grams of powdered sugar
- 140 grams of sour cream
- 5 ml of lemon juice
- For the Coulis:
- 1 pound of strawberries
- 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 110 grams of sugar
- Juice of 1 large lemon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base:
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and lemon zest. Press firmly into the bottom of a 27 cm springform pan. Set aside.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, blend the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, cornstarch, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla, mixing thoroughly. Add eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 160°C. Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Turn off the oven, remove the cheesecake, and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Topping:
- Mix sour cream, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. Spread evenly over the cooled cheesecake.
- Make the Coulis:
- Combine strawberries, cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the strawberries break down and the sauce thickens. Cool and blend until smooth.
- Finish and Serve:
- Pour the strawberry coulis over the cheesecake just before serving. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Enjoy this classic New York Cheesecake, a dessert as iconic as the city itself!