NY Style Cheesecake Recipe | My Unique Twist on Junior's Classic

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cream cheese

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Ricotta is often less expensive and can provide a lighter texture.

Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature.

Pulse graham crackers in a food processor or blender to make crumbs.

Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.

Use a fork to mix, then use your hands to combine until it resembles wet sand.

Spray the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and place a parchment paper liner, then spray the parchment paper.

Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the springform pan evenly, using a measuring cup to press down firmly.

Bake the crust in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to set.

In a mixing bowl, add 8 oz of softened cream cheese, cornstarch, and 1/3 cup of sugar, mixing on medium speed until smooth.

Add the remaining cream cheese and sugar, mixing until smooth.

Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next, then add vanilla extract and heavy cream, mixing until combined.

Add lemon zest to the mixture.

Once the crust has cooled, pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

Wrap the bottom of the springform pan with aluminum foil for a water bath.

Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish and fill it with hot water halfway up the sides of the pan.

Bake the cheesecake at 325°F for about 1 hour, then increase the temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the center has a slight jiggle.

Let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door cracked open for about 15 minutes.

Remove the foil and let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for 1 hour before refrigerating.

Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

Unmold the cheesecake by flipping it over onto a cake board, using the parchment paper to assist.

Top the cheesecake with fresh strawberry compote or fresh strawberries, or drizzle with caramel or chocolate ganache.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens