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NYC Cheesecake with Brûléed Topping

Creamy, classic New York cheesecake meets the crackly sweetness of brûlée in this indulgent showstopper. It’s everything you love about cheesecake—plus a little something extra.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours 40 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted

For the Filling:

  • 4 8 oz blocks cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs

For the Brûléed Topping:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Wrap the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan in foil to prepare for a water bath.
  • Make the crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool.
  • Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until combined. Beat in sour cream and vanilla.
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed and scraping the bowl between additions.
  • Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles.
  • Place the pan in a larger baking dish and pour hot water into the dish halfway up the sides of the springform.
  • Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly.
  • Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • Before serving, make the brûléed topping: Sprinkle sugar evenly over the top and use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
  • Don’t overmix once the eggs are added to prevent cracks.
  • A water bath helps prevent uneven baking and cracking.
  • For the best brûlée, sprinkle sugar in a thin, even layer and use a steady hand with the torch.