If you’re dreaming of an irresistibly creamy, sky-high dessert with the perfect balance of rich decadence and just a hint of tang, you need look no further than this Ultimate Tall and Creamy New York-Style Cheesecake. It’s a true classic, delivering all the elements that make authentic New York cheesecake a showstopper: a luxuriously smooth filling, buttery undertones, and a texture so silky yet dense, every forkful feels like pure indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this cheesecake is the kind of dessert you’ll come back to again and again.

Ultimate Tall and Creamy New York-Style Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Even though the ingredients list for this cheesecake is quite simple, each one is essential to achieving the signature flavor and texture that has made New York-style cheesecake legendary. Let’s take a closer look at how every component plays its part in this classic delight.

Cream cheese: The heart and soul of any cheesecake, room temperature cream cheese guarantees a super-smooth, creamy texture with no lumps.
Eggs: These bind the mixture and give the cheesecake its signature rich and tall structure—adding them one at a time makes all the difference.
Sour cream: Sour cream adds just the right touch of tang and lightens the dense filling, making the luscious texture even more luxurious.
Butter: Room temperature butter provides structure, flavor, and helps the cheesecake release cleanly from the pan.
Sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering, allowing the other flavors to shine through in every bite.
Cornstarch: A tiny bit goes a long way to help prevent cracking and ensures that sliceable, tall structure.
Vanilla beans or extract: Nothing compares to the intense aroma of vanilla beans, but pure vanilla extract or paste is a wonderful substitute.
Lemon juice: Just a splash brightens the whole cheesecake, keeping the flavor from ever feeling too heavy.

How to Make Ultimate Tall and Creamy New York-Style Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Springform Pan

Begin your cheesecake adventure by wrapping your 10-inch springform pan tightly in two layers of foil. This clever trick keeps out all the water during the gentle steam bath in the oven and guarantees an extra creamy texture. Don’t forget to butter the entire inside of the pan for that flawless release after chilling. A little forethought here saves plenty of sticky headaches later!

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Gently preheat your oven to 300º F (150º C). This isn’t a recipe to rush or to use blasting heat; the low, even temperature ensures your Ultimate Tall and Creamy New York-Style Cheesecake bakes up dense and ultra-smooth, just like the best bakery versions.

Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese and Butter

Using your trusty electric mixer, beat the room-temperature cream cheese and butter together until the mixture takes on a fluffy, smooth appearance. Taking the time to fully blend these two means your filling will end up impossibly creamy, with no lumps in sight—a key step for professional-looking results!

Step 4: Add the Eggs

With your mixer on low, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. This patience prevents over-aeration, which is the sneaky culprit behind cracks in many homemade cheesecakes. The batter will begin to look glossy and decadent at this stage.

Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream

Now for the secret weapon: sour cream! Add it all at once, mixing until beautifully smooth. Suddenly, your mixture shifts from just creamy to luscious, with a fresh tang that will make your finished Ultimate Tall and Creamy New York-Style Cheesecake memorable.

Step 6: Add Sugar, Cornstarch, Vanilla, and Lemon Juice

Add the sugar, cornstarch, whatever vanilla you’re using, and lemon juice. Keep mixing until everything is smooth, about two minutes. These additions balance out the flavors, make the cheesecake stable, and add the kind of aroma and brightness that makes a New York-style cheesecake stand apart from all others.

Step 7: Pour and Prepare for the Water Bath

Pour the silky filling into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Nestle the pan inside a larger roasting dish. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it goes halfway up your springform. The steam will help your cheesecake cook ever-so-gently, for that totally crave-worthy texture.

Step 8: Bake the Cheesecake

Slide the whole setup into your preheated oven and bake for roughly 2 hours. Look for a pale, gently golden top and a center that still jiggles a bit—the cheesecake will finish setting as it cools, so don’t panic if it seems soft now. If your oven runs hot or you’re using convection, start checking around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Step 9: Cool and Refrigerate

Carefully remove everything from the oven, then lift the springform pan out of the water bath and peel away the foil. Let your cheesecake cool to room temperature first; this step prevents dreaded cracks and allows the texture to settle. After cooling, wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (even better, overnight). The wait is so worth it!

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Unmold the cheesecake, slice into generous wedges, and serve as is—or dress it up with toppings if you like. This is when you’ll see (and taste!) why this is truly the Ultimate Tall and Creamy New York-Style Cheesecake.

How to Serve Ultimate Tall and Creamy New York-Style Cheesecake

Garnishes

There’s a real magic in slicing into this cheesecake and seeing its pure creaminess in all its glory—sometimes, that’s all the garnish you need! But if you’d like to add flair, top each slice with fresh berries, thin ribbons of lemon zest, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a little cloud of whipped cream. For extra indulgence, try drizzling warm caramel or chocolate sauce just before serving. Personalize each wedge and watch your guests’ faces light up!

Side Dishes

Pairing the Ultimate Tall and Creamy New York-Style Cheesecake with thoughtfully chosen sides can turn dessert into an event. Consider serving with a side of stewed berries or a spoonful of tangy fruit compote. A tart espresso or strong black coffee is a wonderful counterpoint to the richness—and if you’re really in the mood, a crisp glass of sparkling wine or cold milk brings out the flavors even more.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation turns your already show stopping cheesecake into a visual masterpiece! Try cutting the cheesecake into mini squares for elegant bite-sized treats at parties. For a special dinner, create a cheesecake platter with different sauces and toppings in little bowls, allowing everyone to customize their own slice. Or, make individual cheesecakes in ramekins for personal desserts that feel extra-special—and adorable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you miraculously have leftover Ultimate Tall and Creamy New York-Style Cheesecake, simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it refrigerated. It will stay perfectly delicious for up to five days—great for sneaky late-night slices or a sweet midday surprise!

Freezing

The beauty of this cheesecake is that it freezes remarkably well. After thoroughly chilling in the fridge, wrap individual slices (or the whole cake) tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator—the texture and flavor will still be spectacular.

Reheating

Most people prefer their cheesecake chilled or at room temperature, but if you want a warmer slice, simply let it sit at room temp for 15-30 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can upset the texture you worked so hard to perfect. Enjoy it slow and savor every bite!

FAQs

Why does this Ultimate Tall and Creamy New York-Style Cheesecake require a water bath?

The moist heat of a water bath ensures even, gentle baking and helps prevent cracks by regulating the temperature. It’s the little extra effort that leads to that ultra-smooth and luxurious texture every New York-style cheesecake lover craves.

Can I make this recipe with a crust?

Absolutely! If you love a good crunch, press a mixture of gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and melted butter into the bottom of your springform pan before adding the filling. Bake for 10 minutes, let cool, and continue as directed. The cheesecake is divine with or without it.

What’s the best way to remove the cheesecake from the pan?

Let the cheesecake cool completely and chill thoroughly. Run a thin, sharp knife around the edge before unclipping the springform, then lift away the ring with a steady hand. If you’re ambitious, you can gently slide the whole cake onto a platter using a wide spatula.

Can I use light or reduced-fat cream cheese?

You can, but for true Ultimate Tall and Creamy New York-Style Cheesecake magic, full-fat cream cheese is highly recommended. Reduced-fat versions can sometimes produce a thinner batter and a less decadent result, but it still works if you need to lighten things up a touch.

How do I know when my cheesecake is done baking?

The edges should look slightly puffed and the center should jiggle gently when nudged. If the surface is lightly browned and the smell is decadent, you’re on the right track. Remember, it will finish setting as it chills!

Final Thoughts

Baking an Ultimate Tall and Creamy New York-Style Cheesecake is a heartfelt way to bring a taste of New York into your kitchen—and absolutely wow anyone lucky enough to share a slice. Don’t let the steps intimidate you; with a little care, the end result is pure bliss. So set aside a little time, gather your favorite people, and treat yourselves to this luscious classic. Your dessert game will never be the same!

Ultimate Tall and Creamy New York-Style Cheesecake Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5.3 from 24 reviews

Indulge in the ultimate creamy and velvety New York-style cheesecake with this decadent recipe. Elevate your dessert game with this rich and luxurious treat that is sure to impress.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Cheesecake Filling:

32 ounces cream cheese (4 packages), room temperature
5 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups sour cream, room temperature
8 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 ½ cups sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 vanilla beans (or substitute with 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Prepare the Springform Pan – Start by preparing your 10-inch springform pan. Wrap with aluminum foil and coat with butter.
Preheat the Oven – Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
Mix the Cream Cheese and Butter – Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add the Eggs – Incorporate eggs one at a time.
Incorporate Sour Cream – Mix in sour cream until smooth.
Add Sugar, Cornstarch, Vanilla, and Lemon Juice – Mix in sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth.
Pour and Prepare for the Water Bath – Pour batter into pan and place in a larger roasting pan with water.
Bake the Cheesecake – Bake for 2 hours until lightly browned and set.
Cool and Refrigerate – Cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Serve and Enjoy – Top with berries, whipped cream, or caramel sauce if desired.

Notes

Vanilla: Vanilla extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla beans.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with fruit purees or different toppings for variety.
Gluten-Free: This crustless cheesecake is naturally gluten-free.