New York-style cheesecake originated in, as the name suggests, New York City. Its exact origins are a subject of debate, but it is widely believed to have been developed by Arnold Reuben, a German-Jewish immigrant and owner of the renowned Turf Restaurant in the early 1900s.
Reuben is credited with creating the recipe that distinguishes New York-style cheesecake from other varieties. He reportedly experimented with different ingredients and techniques to achieve the signature dense and creamy texture that sets it apart. Reuben’s version featured a rich cream cheese filling on a buttery graham cracker crust, offering a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
The popularity of New York-style cheesecake grew rapidly, and it became an iconic dessert associated with the culinary landscape of New York City. Over time, variations and adaptations of the recipe emerged, but the fundamental characteristics of a rich, creamy filling and a crust made with graham crackers remained.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours or overnight
Total time: 6 hours
Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the sour cream, flour, and salt, and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly browned.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges to loosen the cheesecake from the sides of the pan.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set and chill.
- Once fully chilled, remove the sides of the springform pan. Slice and serve the New York-style cheesecake as is or with your favorite toppings such as fresh berries, fruit sauce, or whipped cream.
This authentic recipe yields a creamy and decadent New York-style cheesecake with a delightful balance of flavors. Each velvety smooth bite is a true indulgence that captures the essence of this beloved dessert.