RecipePastryAmerican CuisineSous-Chef45 Min Prep

New York Cheesecake Masterclass: Coffee Culture Edition

Friends, let's embark on a culinary journey to create the king of desserts: the New York Cheesecake.

But not just *any* cheesecake – we're talking about the iconic version served at Coffee Culture Cafe And Eatery right here in Scarborough.

I'm talking about that dense, creamy, utterly irresistible slice that makes you want to savor every single bite.

Forget those airy, whipped excuses for cheesecake.

We're diving deep into the real deal – a cheesecake that stands tall, boasts a rich, buttery crust, and a filling so smooth it melts on your tongue.

This isn't a quick bake; it's a labor of love.

From crafting the graham cracker crust to mastering the water bath technique, we'll cover every detail, ensuring your cheesecake emerges from the oven a golden masterpiece.

I remember my early days, tinkering with ratios, chasing that elusive perfect texture.

At Coffee Culture, they keep it classic, respecting the integrity of each ingredient.

We'll be using the finest cream cheese, the freshest eggs, and a touch of vanilla to elevate the flavors.

Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes – a symphony of caramelized sugar, warm butter, and that unmistakable tang of cream cheese.

Get ready to impress your friends, your family, and most importantly, yourself.

Because once you taste this New York Cheesecake, you'll never settle for anything less. Let's get baking!

SweetSaltySourBitterUmami

Taste Profile

Ingredients

7 items
12Servings

Total Time

30m

12

Graham Cracker Crust

15 min
Ingredients
  • 150 g Graham crackers
  • 85 g Unsalted butter
  • 30 g Granulated sugar
Instructions
  1. 1

    Place the graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Alternatively, you can place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Get out those frustrations!

  2. 2

    In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well until the mixture resembles wet sand. It should hold its shape when pressed together.

Main Recipe

01

Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Gently press the prepared graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of your springform pan. We want a firm, even base. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it in there. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes. This quick bake will help solidify the crust and prevent it from becoming soggy.

02

Mix the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This is crucialno lumps allowed! Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporatedincorporatedFully mixed in so that no specific ingredient stands out.. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the egg yolks one at a time as well. Follow with the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Beat on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing introduces air and can lead to a cracked cheesecake.

03

Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Now, for the water bath: Wrap the bottom of the springform pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place the wrapped pan in a large roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This creates a humid environment that helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevents cracking. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 70-75 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly. Don't panic about the jiggleit's a good sign!

04

Cooling and Chilling

Turn off the oven and open the door slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This gradual cooling prevents drastic temperature changes that can cause cracking. Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the cheesecake to fully set and develop its flavor. The waiting is the hardest part, I know!

Pro Tip

"Resist the urge to cut into the cheesecake before it's fully chilled. Trust me, it's worth the wait."

05

Serving

Once chilled, gently run a thin knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan. Release the springform and transfer the cheesecake to a serving platter. Serve chilled and enjoy every creamy, decadent bite! I like to serve with a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh berries.

Try These Variations

Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake

Add a decadent twist by swirling melted chocolate into the cheesecake batter before baking.

  • Melt 4 oz of dark chocolate.
  • Swirl into the cheesecake batter before baking using a toothpick or knife.
  • Bake as directed.

Lemon Zest Cheesecake

Brighten up the flavor with a hint of lemon. Adds a zesty freshness.

  • Add the zest of 2 lemons to the cheesecake batter.
  • Reduce vanilla extract to 1 tsp to let the lemon shine.
  • Bake as directed.
From the Kitchen

Chef's Notes

Wisdom

1Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, lump-free batter. Trust me, it makes a difference.

2Don't overbake the cheesecake! A slight jiggle in the center is what you're aiming for. It will firm up as it cools.

3Let the cheesecake cool completely in the oven with the door ajar to prevent cracking. Patience, my friends!

Pitfalls

1Overmixing the batter can incorporate too much air, leading to a sunken cheesecake. Gently fold the ingredients together.

2Opening the oven door frequently during baking can cause temperature fluctuations and cracking. Resist the urge!

Equipment Needed

Springform pan (9-inch)Mixing bowlsElectric mixerBaking sheetLarge roasting pan

Origin Story

The New York Cheesecake, as we know it, gained popularity in the early 20th century, thanks to German immigrant Arnold Reuben. He's credited with developing the creamy, rich version we adore today.

Did you know?

Did you know that cheesecake dates back to ancient Greece? They served it to athletes during the Olympic Games!

Perfect Pairings

  • Fresh berries
  • Chocolate sauce
  • Espresso
  • Sweet dessert wine

Inspired by Agincourt

This recipe captures the essence of Coffee Culture Cafe And Eatery in Scarborough. Authenticity isn't just about ingredients; it's about place.

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