New York-style cherry cheesecake is a classic dessert that’s rich, creamy, and decadent. The filling is thick and smooth, with a tangy flavor from the cream cheese and a sweet cherry topping. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious treat:
New York Style Cherry Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
For the cherry topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries cooked with sugar and cornstarch)
Instructions:
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Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
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Make the crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon (if using).
- Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are well coated.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
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Make the filling:
- Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, and beat until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the sour cream, mixing until smooth.
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Bake the cheesecake:
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles when you gently shake the pan.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for an additional 1 hour to cool slowly.
- Afterward, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
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Chill:
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for the best texture.
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Add the cherry topping:
- Just before serving, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
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Serve and enjoy:
- Carefully run a knife around the edge of the springform pan before removing the sides. Slice, serve, and enjoy the creamy, tangy deliciousness!
Tips:
- For an even firmer cheesecake, you can bake it in a water bath (place the cheesecake pan inside a larger pan filled with hot water) to prevent cracks.
- If you want to make your own cherry topping, cook fresh cherries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken the mixture into a sauce.
- You can also add a bit of lemon zest or juice to the filling for an extra tang.
Enjoy your delicious New York-style cherry cheesecake!