Description
This New York style cheesecake offers a creamy, tangy filling complemented by a vibrant cherry and vanilla bean topping. It is a show-stopping dessert perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 blocks full-fat cream cheese (680 g)
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar (for filling)
- 4 large eggs
- 0.5 cup full-fat sour cream (120 g)
- 1 Tbsp vanilla bean paste (divided for filling and topping)
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs (180 g)
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (113 g), melted
- 3 cups fresh cherries (400 g), pitted and halved
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Prep the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Press into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake until lightly golden.
- Make the Filling: Beat room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar, then beat in eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream and vanilla bean paste. Mix only until blended.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Wrap the springform pan with foil, place in a roasting pan with hot water (water bath). Bake until edges are set and center jiggles softly.
- Chill Completely: Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the turned-off oven for about an hour. Remove from water bath, unwrap, cool on a wire rack, then refrigerate for 4+ hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Cherry Topping: Combine cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened and glossy. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla bean paste, and let cool completely before spreading over the chilled cheesecake.
Notes
Use full-fat ingredients for the best texture; Greek yogurt or vanilla extract are good substitutions. Whole wheat graham crackers and frozen cherries can also be used. To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the filling, use a water bath during baking, and allow for slow cooling. If the topping is too thin, thicken with a cornstarch slurry.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 97 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (180 g)
- Calories: 480 calories
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: new york style, cheesecake, cherry, vanilla, baking, classic, family-friendly, dessert