Many of us have heard of New York Cheesecake and may believe the dessert originated in the city. However, the truth is, it originated many years before New York was ever even a city in a faraway country called Greece. Legend has it that after being created on the island of Samos, it was served to Greek athletes during the first Olympic games in 776 BC.
From there, the recipe fell to the Romans who then brought it to Europe where variations were made using ingredients native to the various regions. This is how we get all textures, fruits, flavors, and richness of cheesecakes we all know and love today!
However, it wasn’t until the 1900s that the New York Cheesecake recipe was developed. Arnold Rueben is credited for coming up with the state’s version which gets its flavor from extra egg yolks in the cake mix. It is also usually served on its own, with no fruit, chocolate, or caramel served on the top or side. Today when most people think about cheesecake they will generally think of the New York variety.
It is rumored that Rueben, a German-American immigrant, was invited to a dinner party where cheesecake was served. He was so fascinated with the recipe that he began experimenting with it until he came up with the New York version.
While there are many variations on the cheesecake dessert itself, there are also variations on the New York-style recipe. These are three of the most delectable New York Style Cheesecake Recipe made from scratch with plenty of rich cream cheese.
These all have a smooth, creamy flavor that will get praise from even the pickiest cheesecake lovers. However, they vary in the type of crust that is made and some of the ingredients used in the filling. Also, one of the variations includes a cherry topping which is unusual for a New York cheesecake but extremely tasty nonetheless.
New York cheesecake is truly a satisfying dessert, and we believe these recipes will make for a dessert that is especially delicious. Of course, you can mix and match of some the flavors to test out new versions and find your family's new favorite.
New York Cheesecake #1
Ingredients:
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cup cinnamon graham cracker crumbs
3 1/4 packages (8 oz. packages) cream cheese, softened
1 can 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 eggs
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter; press evenly on the bottom of the 9-inch pie pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk, beating until smooth.
3. Add vanilla and eggs, and mix well. Pour into prepared pie pan.
4. Bake for 1 hour, turn off the oven but leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door propped slightly open for an additional hour.
5. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours until firm.
New York Cheesecake #2
This New York Cheesecake Recipe is from Aunt Sophia. She uses ricotta cheese in her recipe, which adds an extra bit of richness to the cheesecake.
Crust Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
Filling Ingredients:
2 lbs. ricotta cheese
6 eggs
2 Tbsp. flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 large can evaporated milk
Directions:
1. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter together. Press the mixture into the bottom of the springform pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl add the eggs to the ricotta cheese, one at a time, beating thoroughly after each egg is added.
3. Mix flour and sugar together and add to the cheese mixture. Fold in vanilla and evaporated milk.
4. Pour into the prepared springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 50 to 60 minutes, until firm. Chill overnight.
New York Cheesecake #3
Grandma Celia swears by this New York Cheesecake recipe, it was handed down to her by her mother. It is one of the richest cheesecake recipes ever, it is an amazing cheesecake that everyone always has room for no matter how much they've eaten! It does not have a crust, in order to highlight the flavor of the cheesecake only.
Ingredients:
2 cups sour cream
1 lb. ricotta cheese
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cup sugar
16 oz. cream cheese
3 Tbsp. flour
3 extra large eggs
1 Tbsp. vanilla
3 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Directions:
1. Combine sour cream and ricotta cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beating at low speed, add butter, sugar, and cream cheese.
2. Increase speed to medium and add flour, eggs, vanilla, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Beat for 5 minutes.
3. Pour into the springform pan.
4. Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and leave in a closed oven for one hour longer. Cool on rack.