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Creamy New York Style Cheesecake Recipe with Easy Strawberry Topping

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A classic, creamy New York style cheesecake with a fresh and easy strawberry topping that balances richness with brightness. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for crust)
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 packages (8 oz / 226g each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup (160ml) sour cream
  • 2/3 cup (160ml) heavy cream (optional)
  • 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a bowl. Pour in melted butter and stir until mixture resembles wet sand.
  2. Press crust mixture firmly into bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
  4. Gradually add sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to avoid air bubbles.
  6. Stir in sour cream and heavy cream until fully blended and batter is silky and pourable.
  7. Pour filling over cooled crust and spread evenly with a spatula. Tap pan gently to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake cheesecake at 325°F (163°C) for 55-65 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
  9. Turn off oven, crack door open, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracks.
  10. Remove from oven, run knife around edges, cool to room temperature, then cover and chill in fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  11. For strawberry topping, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until juices release and mixture bubbles.
  12. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1-2 minutes until thickened. Let cool completely.
  13. Release cheesecake from springform pan carefully, slice with sharp knife dipped in hot water, and top each slice with strawberry topping.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for smooth batter. Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks. Bake low and slow and cool cheesecake slowly in oven with door ajar. Press crust firmly and bake before adding filling to prevent sogginess. Strawberry topping consistency can be adjusted with cornstarch slurry or lemon juice. Water bath is optional but can reduce cracking.

Nutrition

Keywords: New York cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, strawberry topping, easy cheesecake recipe, classic dessert, homemade cheesecake