When it comes to making the best cake, here is how to make Classic New York Cheesecake at home which can be your Empire State Dream Cake. This New York style cheesecake is a very thick, creamy melt in your mouth delicacy. Let’s know more about it and how to make it at home.
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How to Make Classic New York Cheesecake at Home – Empire State Dream Cake
If you too are craving a creamy New York style cake then say hello to Empire State Dream Cake as this very popular American dessert is made from scratch. Here is the complete recipe which you can make in an easy way, soft texture, buttery graham cracker crust and dense bite and mild tartness.
This homemade New York Cheesecake is going to give competition to the slice of Manhattan Bakery.
It can be made for any special day, celebration or any special event.
It has step by step instructions on how to make a cheesecake recipe, right from the crest to the filling. So let’s get started making this American style cheesecake, classic New York cheesecake recipe.
What makes New York Cheesecake special?
This New York cheesecake is far superior to any other cheesecake in its creamy richness and creaminess. It is very –
- like extra cream cheese with a nice consistency and velvety texture.
- It is made using thickeners and sour cream or condensed cream to add moisture.
- It also has egg binding which gives a silky texture.
- It is baked at a high temperature and then slowly cooled down to make a smooth crust without cracks and a nice top.
Apart from being an unbaked cheesecake, this New York cheesecake is baked before making it and can be served plain or with fruits.

All Ingredients –
How to Make Classic New York Cheesecake at Home.
Ingredients:- Graham Cracker Crust
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs, 10 whole sheets
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
Ingredients:- Cheesecake Filling
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup full fat sour cream, use
- 4 cream cheese sticks (8 ounces), use at room temperature (all 32 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (prevents curdling)
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, plus optional to bring to a smooth consistency
Ingredients:- For Topping, optional
- Whipped Cream
- Lemon Curd
- Cherry Pie Filling
- Fresh Berries
- Chocolate Ganache
How to Make Classic New York Cheesecake at Home Full Step by Step Recipe –
1. Preparing the Equipment
Preheat your oven to 325° F (163° C). Wrap a 9-inch springform pan around the outside with two layers of aluminum foil to prevent leakage.
Place a large roasting pan on the bottom rack of the oven, then use a water bath “bain marie” to bake the cheesecake evenly and prevent cracking.
2. Making the Graham Cracker Crust
Place the graham crackers in a zip top bag and crush with a rolling pin, or use a food processor to crush them.
Combine the crumbs with sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt to get a wet sand texture. You will notice that your crust will have a wet sand texture.
Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
Information:- Press all the crusts evenly.
Use a flat glass for pressing or you can use the clap of a forgiving cup.
3. Preparing the cheese cake filling
Take a large mixing bowl and beat the cream cheese on low speed for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes smooth.
Add sugar and beat for 2 to 3 minutes. Then spread the cream cheese on the sides of the bowl.
Now add vanilla extract and cream cheese and mix well.
Now break the eggs one by one and mix well. Keep it aside after mixing well because it should not be mixed too much.
Then add heavy cream and flour as per the mentioned quantity and then mix everything slowly till it becomes smooth.
4. Pour then smooth
Pour the cheesecake filling onto the pre-baked crust. If there are any air bubbles, remove them. First, place the pan on the counter and tap it gently to release all the bubbles. Then smooth the top surface with a spatula.

5. Bake your cheesecake using the water bath method
To place the cheesecake in the roasting pan, wrap it in a paper file and place it in the center of the roasting pan to make a delicious American style cheesecake.
Carefully pour the hot water into your roasting pan and it should reach halfway up the springform pan.
Bake for 55 to 70 minutes and make sure that the edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly so that the cake bakes better.
Note: Do not open the oven door when baking your cheesecake as this will break the cheesecake and you will not be able to make a creamy baked cheesecake.
Cooling
Once it is ready, turn off the oven and then open the oven door slightly to let the excess steam escape.
Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour, then remove it from the water bath and oven and leave it at room temperature to cool.
For better taste
If you want to give the best taste to the cheese, keep it in the fridge for 6 to 7 hours or if not needed, leave it in the fridge overnight so that the flavour gets settled and its texture becomes better and solid.
Toppings and Serving Suggestions: –
The classic New York cheesecake at home tastes amazing. If you want to add a different topping to it that will make it delicious, here are some great topping suggestions: –
For a classic fruit topping:
Fresh blueberries
Cherry piped filling
Strawberry or raspberry sauce
For a savory option:
Dark chocolate ganache
Salted caramel drizzle
Lemon curd swirl
For a fun twist:
Toasted coconut flakes
Use Oreo or graham crackers, crushed on top
Candied nuts
It should always be served chilled and topped with a little whipped cream and then you can choose your favorite toppings.

Storing: –
You can keep it covered in the fridge for 5 to 6 days.
For longer storage, you can keep the slices in the fridge for up to 2 months. For this, wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the fridge overnight.
Best tips for making it in advance: –
Cheese cake can be baked 2 to 3 days in advance and whenever it is served, cool it first because after staying in the fridge, its flavors settle together which gives a better result.
Problem solving: –
Reason for bursting of cheese cake?
If you make some changes in the temperature or bake it too much, then it can burst.
The batter should never be mixed too much and should be cooled slowly as per the rules mentioned.
How to fix if the top part is cracked?
You can use a layer of sour cream or ganache to cover it or you can use fruit toppings for better results.
Can water bath be skipped?
You can skip it but the top part may crack, that is why water bath moisture is used because it makes your baking easy and keeps the baking temperature constant.
Tips to make New York Cheese Cake successful:-
For making it delicious and wonderful, definitely use full fat cream cheese.
When you add egg to it, do not beat it too much. Just dissolve it, mix it well, beating it too much will make your batter swell and shrink.
Never hurry while cooling, always cool it first in the oven as per the rule, then cool it on your counter and then keep it in the fridge.
For a good cut, first wash the knife with hot water and then slice.
Nutrition:-
- 450 calories
- 35 grams fat
- 22 grams sugar
- 7 grams protein
- 28 grams carbohydrates
Information:- Nutritional value varies depending on the amount of toppings.
FAQ
How to make Classic New York Cheesecake at Home Some questions
Q. What kind of pan should I use?
A springform pan should always be 9 inches and you should avoid using a smaller pan as it will expand when you fill it.
Q. How to make gluten free?
To make this gluten free, use gluten free graham crackers for the crust and check that all labeled ingredients are gluten free.
Q. Can I make New York Cheesecake into mini cheesecakes?
Yes, you can! Use a muffin tin with a liner and bake for 20 to 22 minutes.
Q. Do I need to refrigerate New York Cheesecake overnight?
Yes! If you refrigerate the cheesecake overnight, the flavors settle and it will harden so be sure to refrigerate it and be patient to eat a delicious New York cheesecake.
Final Thoughts
How to Make Classic New York Cheesecake at Home Complete recipe is given below. With these simple steps, you can easily make Empire State Dream Cake at home which is a wonderful dessert.
It is perfect for any holiday party, birthday or just for a sweet treat.
With a wonderful creamy center and a thick golden graham cracker crust, this New York Cheesecake arrives on the table in a wonderful and surprising way.
Once you try the homemade New York Cheesecake recipe, you will master it and you will use homemade cheesecake instead of buying it from the market. Because the tips for making a crack free cheesecake are explained very well and all the things are kept in mind while making cheesecake with water method, so you must make it for your family and friends this weekend.