What is the difference between New York cheesecake and regular cheesecake?

New York cheesecake is known for its dense, rich texture thanks to the use of full-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and sometimes flour. It’s baked slowly in a water bath, which gives it that iconic, velvety feel. Regular cheesecake can be lighter, sometimes no-bake, and often skips the sour cream or flour that gives New York cheesecake its signature body.

What is the most famous cheesecake in New York?

That honor probably goes to Junior’s New York Cheesecake , an iconic dessert that’s been a staple since 1950. Located in Brooklyn (and now a few other NYC spots), Junior’s is practically a rite of passage for cheesecake lovers. Another cult favorite? Eileen’s Special Cheesecake in SoHo—known for its cloud-like texture and smaller, personal-sized cheesecakes.

What is in New York style cheesecake?

The magic combo: full-fat cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), a touch of lemon juice, and a little flour for structure. All baked low and slow in a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s simple, but oh-so decadent.

Why is Costco cheesecake so good?

Costco’s cheesecake has a major fanbase because it hits a lot of the New York style notes: creamy texture, not overly sweet, and a thick graham crust. Plus, it’s pre-baked to perfection, super convenient, and made in big, shareable portions—perfect for parties or just treating yourself (no judgment!).

The Best New York Cheesecake Recipe

New York Cheesecake

Print Recipe

This ultra-creamy New York cheesecake is the real deal—dense, tangy, and baked to perfection with no cracks! Inspired by classic NYC bakeries, this foolproof recipe delivers that iconic Big Apple bite from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Author: Zeira
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Yield: 12 slices 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
2 tbsp granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

4 (8 oz) packages full-fat cream cheese, room temp
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt), room temp
3 large eggs, room temp
2 tsp lemon juice (optional, for tang)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap a 9-inch springform pan with heavy-duty foil.
Make the Crust:
Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan base. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Cool.
Mix the Filling:
Beat cream cheese on low speed until smooth. Add sugar, mix. Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in sour cream, lemon juice, vanilla, and flour until just combined.
Assemble & Bake:
Pour filling over crust. Place pan in a larger roasting pan and fill with hot water halfway up the sides. Bake at 325°F for 75 minutes or until center jiggles slightly.
Cool & Chill:
Let cheesecake cool in the oven with the door cracked for 1 hour. Chill in the fridge at least 6 hours (or overnight).
Slice & Serve:
Run a knife around the edge, remove springform, slice with a clean hot knife. Top with berries or enjoy as-is!

Notes

Don’t skip the water bath—it’s the secret to a crack-free top.
Room temp ingredients = silky filling.

Best made a day ahead for ultimate flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 435
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 330mg
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: New York Cheesecake, New York Cheesecake Recipe, Best New York Cheesecake, Classic Cheesecake, NYC Cheesecake, Junior’s Style Cheesecake

Find it online: https://batchrecipes.com/new-york-cheesecake-recipe/