How to Make Cheesecake

The traditional choice for the purist is the basic New York cheesecake with a simple graham cracker crust. Use any fruit or sour cream topping you wish. This recipe serves 12. Here are a few steps for creating a delicious treat.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 1 3/4 c. graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 c. melted butter
• 1 1/4 lbs. cream cheese
• 1 1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon peel zest
• 1 tsp. finely grated orange zest
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3/4 c. sugar
• 1 tbsp. flour
• 3 eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tbsp. heavy cream
• Wooden Spoons
• Drinking Glasses
• Rubber Spatula
• Groceries
• Mixing bowls
• Zesters
• Wire Whisks
• Hand Mixers
• Springform Pan
• Paper Liners

1. 

   Stir the crushed crackers, cinnamon and melted butter together well.

2. 

   Lay a circle of parchment paper in the bottom of a 9- or 10-inch springform pan. Pack the crust mixture in the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Use the bottom of a glass to press the crust flat.

3. Heat the oven to 300 degrees F.

4. Bring the cream cheese to room temperature.

5. Place the cream cheese, zest and vanilla in a mixing bowl and beat by hand or with an electric mixer until just smooth.

6. Add the sugar and flour gradually and beat just until incorporated.

7. Add the eggs, yolk and cream and mix thoroughly.

8. 

   Pour the filling over the crust and bake for approximately 1 hour.

9. 

   Check the cake for doneness. The very center should jiggle slightly. Avoid using a knife or toothpick to check for doneness.

10. Let the cake cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid overmixing, which can incorporate excess air into the batter and cause the cake to rise too much during baking. The cake will then fall and crack as it cools.

• While the cheesecake is cooling, wait until it is warm to the touch (but not hot), then run a knife around the rim. If the sides can pull away from the pan as the cake shrinks, it will lessen the chances of a crack.

• Use a springform pan, which allows for the easiest removal of the cake. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet in the oven to capture any leaks.