New York cheesecake is the king of all cheesecakes — rich, dense, ultra-creamy, and perfectly balanced with a sweet-tart strawberry sauce on top. This version sticks closely to the iconic classic: a lightly crisp graham crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and that signature pure vanilla flavor.

The real magic lies in the long, gentle bake and slow cooling — what gives it the unmistakable silky-smooth texture we adore. If you’re looking to bake a dessert that feels luxurious, nostalgic, and undeniably impressive… this is the one.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Authentically New York — thick and creamy, not fluffy
• Strawberry topping cuts through richness beautifully
• Feels like something from a high-end bakery
• Perfectly structured: slices cleanly and stands tall
• A dessert that says: tonight is special

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• A legendary dessert every home baker should master
• Always the most-requested dessert at gatherings
• Make-ahead friendly — excellent for parties and holidays
• The strawberry sauce is summer in every spoonful

This cheesecake delivers 100% wow-factor with every bite!

Recipe Details

• Prep time: 25 minutes
• Baking time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cooling and chilling time: 6–8 hours
• Total time: approx. 8–10 hours

• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories per serving: approximately 450–520 calories

Course : Dessert

Cuisine : American

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt

Cheesecake Filling

• 32 oz (900 g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional but recommended)

Strawberry Sauce

• 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, halved
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1 — Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix graham crumbs, sugar, salt.
3. Stir in melted butter until sandy texture.
4. Press mixture firmly into a 9-inch springform pan, bottom + 1 inch up sides.
5. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool slightly.

Step 2 — Make the Filling

1. Beat softened cream cheese until completely smooth (no lumps!).
2. Add sugar and beat until creamy.
3. Mix in sour cream, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low until just combined. (Do not overbeat.)
5. Pour filling over crust and smooth the top.

Step 3 — Bake (Water Bath Method Optional)

• Wrap outside of pan with foil if using water bath.
• Place cheesecake on a baking tray.
• Bake at 325°F / 160°C for 55–70 minutes
  • Center should be slightly jiggly but set around edges.

Turn off oven, crack door slightly, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour
→ Prevents cracking

Then move to counter and cool fully.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.

Step 4 — Strawberry Sauce

1. Cook strawberries + sugar + lemon juice on medium heat for 10 minutes.
2. Add cornstarch slurry — simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
3. Cool completely.

Once cheesecake is chilled, pour sauce over top or serve alongside.

How to Serve

• Slice using a hot knife, wiping between cuts
• Add:
  • Fresh strawberries
  • Whipped cream
  • Mint leaves for elegance

Ideal serving temperature: slightly chilled

Recipe Tips for PERFECTION

• Use room-temperature cream cheese & eggs for smooth results
• Avoid overmixing (traps air → cracks)
• Don’t open oven while baking
• Cooling slowly prevents dryness
• For extra silky texture: use a water bath (bain marie)
• Chill fully before slicing!

Variations to Try

Flavor Twist	What to Do
Blueberry Cheesecake	Replace sauce with blueberry compote
Chocolate Swirl	Swirl melted chocolate into filling before baking
Oreo Crust	Swap graham crumbs for crushed Oreos
Lemon Cheesecake	Add 2 tbsp lemon zest + more lemon juice
No-Strawberry	Serve with caramel or hot fudge instead

Freezing & Storage

Method	Duration	Notes
Refrigerate	5–7 days	Keep covered to prevent odor absorption
Freeze (without topping)	Up to 3 months	Thaw overnight in fridge
Freeze slices	Yes	Wrap individually for convenience

Special Equipment Needed

• 9-inch springform pan
• Electric mixer
• Large roasting pan if doing water bath
• Offset spatula
• Foil (for moisture protection)

FAQ

Q: My cheesecake cracked — what happened?
A: Overbaking, quick temperature changes, or overmixing can cause cracks. Strawberry topping also hides imperfections beautifully

Q: Can I use cream instead of sour cream?
A: Sour cream is key for authentic NY tang — but Greek yogurt works great as a substitute!

Q: Can I skip the water bath?
A: Yes — but it truly improves texture and reduces cracks.

Q: How do I know it’s done?
A: Slight jiggle in the center — it will finish setting while cooling.

Conclusion

This New York Style Baked Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce is the dessert that turns an ordinary day into a celebration. Luxurious yet simple, familiar yet unforgettable — it’s everything a dessert should be.

One bite and you’ll understand why this iconic classic is loved around the world. Treat yourself and the people you love to a slice of pure creamy bliss!