New York Cheesecake

Pregătirea ingredientelor

Ingrediente

Mod de preparare

Pas cu pas

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

   Aproximativ 10 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven for even baking.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers and the sugar for the crust.

   Aproximativ 2 min.

   Nota bucătarului: You can crush graham crackers easily by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin.

3. 3

   Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until the crumbs are evenly moistened.

   Aproximativ 2 min.

4. 4

   Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 25cm (10-inch) springform pan.

   Aproximativ 3 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to press the crust down for a compact, even layer.

5. 5

   Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly on a wire rack.

   Aproximativ 10 min.

6. 6

   In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps.

   Aproximativ 3 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Starting with room temperature cream cheese is crucial for a lump-free filling.

7. 7

   Add the ricotta cheese and the granulated sugar for the filling, and beat until just combined and smooth.

   Aproximativ 2 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is well mixed.

8. 8

   Add the all-purpose flour and cornstarch, and mix on low speed until just incorporated.

   Aproximativ 1 min.

9. 9

   Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition only until the yolk disappears. Do not overmix.

   Aproximativ 2 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Overmixing after adding eggs can incorporate too much air, which may cause the cheesecake to crack as it bakes.

10. 10

    Gently stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract with a spatula until the batter is uniform.

    Aproximativ 1 min.

11. 11

    Pour the filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan and smooth the top.

    Aproximativ 1 min.

    Nota bucătarului: Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips from the butter in the crust.

12. 12

    Bake for 1 hour. The center should still have a slight wobble.

    Aproximativ 1 oră

13. 13

    Turn off the oven heat. Leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door closed for 2 hours to cool down slowly.

    Aproximativ 2 ore

    Nota bucătarului: This slow cooling process is the key to preventing a large crack from forming on the surface.

14. 14

    Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack.

    Aproximativ 1 oră

15. 15

    Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until fully set.

    Aproximativ 4 ore

    Nota bucătarului: Chilling is essential for the cheesecake to firm up and for the flavors to meld.