Ultimate Tall and Creamy New York-Style Cheesecake

Cheesecake—there’s something universally irresistible about it. With its creamy, velvety texture and rich, indulgent flavor, cheesecake is one of those desserts that immediately transports you to a place of comfort and contentment. Among the many variations of this beloved dessert, New York-style cheesecake stands out for its tall, dense, and smooth texture. This “Tall and Creamy New York Cheesecake” recipe takes all the classic elements of the famous dessert and elevates them, creating a cheesecake so rich and velvety that every bite feels like a luxurious treat.

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What makes this recipe so special is not only its simple yet flavorful ingredients but also its perfect texture. This cheesecake has no crust, which allows the silky, creamy filling to shine through in all its glory. The secret to its height and creaminess lies in the careful balance of cream cheese, eggs, sour cream, and butter, all whipped to perfection. The addition of vanilla and lemon juice enhances the flavor, making it incredibly satisfying and decadent.

Whether you’re preparing this cheesecake for a special occasion or just as a well-deserved indulgence for yourself, this recipe promises a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of this incredibly delicious and creamy New York cheesecake, perfect for all cheesecake lovers and home bakers alike.

Ingredients

• 32 ounces cream cheese (4 packages), room temperature
• 5 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups sour cream, room temperature
• 8 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 vanilla beans (or substitute with 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Springform Pan
   Start by preparing your 10-inch springform pan. To ensure the cheesecake doesn’t leak and stays moist, tightly wrap two layers of aluminum foil around the outside of the pan, covering both the bottom and sides. This prevents any water from getting into the pan during the water bath baking process, a key technique for achieving that perfect smooth texture. After wrapping the pan, generously coat the inside with butter. This ensures that the cheesecake will come out of the pan with ease once it’s fully baked and chilled.
2. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 300º F (150º C). This lower temperature ensures that the cheesecake cooks slowly and evenly, giving it that iconic dense yet creamy texture that New York cheesecakes are known for.
3. Mix the Cream Cheese and Butter
   Using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature cream cheese and butter together until smooth. This step is crucial because it helps create the foundation of your cheesecake’s creamy filling. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 1–2 minutes, or until it’s completely smooth with no lumps. The texture at this point should be soft and fluffy, setting the stage for the next ingredients.
4. Add the Eggs
   Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. It’s important to add the eggs slowly to ensure that they are fully incorporated into the mixture without over-mixing. Over-beating the eggs can introduce air into the batter, which could cause cracks on the surface of your cheesecake. After each egg, continue mixing until fully blended, but be careful not to overwork the batter.
5. Incorporate Sour Cream
   Add the sour cream to the mixture, mixing until smooth. Sour cream adds a touch of tang to the cheesecake that balances the richness of the cream cheese, giving it a luxurious flavor and a slight depth of taste. The creaminess of the sour cream contributes to the smooth texture, making it an essential ingredient in this cheesecake.
6. Add Sugar, Cornstarch, Vanilla, and Lemon Juice
   Now it’s time to add the sugar, cornstarch, vanilla beans (or vanilla extract), and fresh lemon juice. Mix the batter until smooth for about 2 minutes. The cornstarch helps prevent cracking and provides a more stable texture by reducing the cheesecake’s tendency to shrink. The vanilla and lemon juice work together to enhance the flavor of the cheesecake, adding a touch of sweetness and brightness that perfectly complements the richness of the cream cheese.
7. Pour and Prepare for the Water Bath
   Once your cheesecake batter is smooth and well-combined, pour it into the prepared springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer. Now, take a roasting pan that is large enough to hold the springform pan without touching the sides. Place the filled springform pan into the roasting pan. Carefully pour boiling water into the roasting pan, ensuring the water comes up about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Be cautious not to splash any water into the cheesecake batter itself.
8. Bake the Cheesecake
   Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours. Your cheesecake is done when it is lightly browned on top, and the center is just set. The baking time may vary depending on the type of oven you have. If you’re using a convection oven, the baking time could be shorter, so keep an eye on it towards the end. Don’t worry if the cheesecake wobbles a little in the center—it will set properly as it cools.
9. Cool and Refrigerate
   Once the cheesecake has finished baking, remove it from the water bath and carefully remove the foil. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature. This cooling period is essential for preventing cracks from forming as the cheesecake settles. Once cooled, cover the cheesecake and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. The cheesecake needs to be well-chilled for the perfect texture—firm, creamy, and smooth.
10. Serve and Enjoy
    Once your cheesecake is chilled and fully set, it’s ready to be served. The cheesecake can be enjoyed plain, showcasing its rich, creamy flavor. However, you can elevate the experience by topping it with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. The combination of the rich, dense cheesecake with the fresh and sweet toppings creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The Flavor and Texture Experience

What makes this New York cheesecake stand out is its dense, tall, and incredibly creamy texture. As you cut into it, the smoothness of the cheesecake filling is immediately apparent—velvety, with just the right amount of firmness to hold its shape. The flavor is rich and indulgent, with the cream cheese and butter creating a deeply satisfying mouthfeel. The subtle tang from the sour cream and lemon juice cuts through the richness, giving the cheesecake a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The vanilla adds an aromatic warmth, while the hint of lemon enhances the overall flavor, keeping the cheesecake from being overly heavy.

When you take a bite, the dense yet creamy texture melts in your mouth, offering a luxurious, comforting experience. Each forkful is pure bliss, with the vanilla and citrus notes lingering on your palate, leaving you wanting more. The cheesecake is substantial and satisfying, yet incredibly smooth, making it the ideal dessert for any occasion.

Tips for Substitutions and Variations

• Vanilla: If you don’t have vanilla beans, pure vanilla extract is a suitable substitute. For an even richer vanilla flavor, you could also use vanilla bean paste.
• Sour Cream: While sour cream is an essential ingredient for the tangy undertone of this cheesecake, you can also substitute it with Greek yogurt for a similar tanginess and added protein.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding a swirl of fruit puree (such as raspberry or blueberry) into the batter before baking. You could also top the cheesecake with caramelized nuts or a drizzle of chocolate ganache for a different twist.
• Gluten-Free: Since this cheesecake doesn’t require a crust, it’s naturally gluten-free. However, if you prefer a crust, use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for a low-carb option.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesecake is the perfect dessert for a variety of occasions. Serve it at family gatherings, birthday parties, or as the grand finale to a special dinner. You can pair it with a glass of dessert wine, such as a late-harvest Riesling, or even a cup of rich coffee to balance the sweetness.

If you’re looking for a festive touch, decorate the top of the cheesecake with fresh seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. These bright, tart fruits contrast beautifully with the creamy, rich cheesecake. Alternatively, you could drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over the top for an extra indulgent treat.

For a simple yet elegant presentation, you can add a few mint leaves or edible flowers for a pop of color.

Why You’ll Love This Tall and Creamy New York Cheesecake

This Tall and Creamy New York Cheesecake will quickly become your go-to recipe for a classic, indulgent dessert. Its height, smoothness, and decadent flavor make it a crowd favorite, and the best part is that it’s easy to make despite its impressive appearance. The lack of a crust allows the creamy filling to take center stage, offering a true cheesecake experience with every bite. Whether you enjoy it plain or topped with fresh fruit or whipped cream, this cheesecake is the perfect treat for any occasion.