New York Style Cheesecake

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs (1 1/2 cups)
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted)
• Cream cheese (4 (8-ounce) packages, softened)
• Granulated sugar (1 cup)
• Sour cream (1 cup)
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon)
• Eggs (4 large)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly coated.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool completely.
5. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
6. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until well combined.
7. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, ensuring the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
8. Pour the creamy filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9. Bake in the oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
10. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 30 minutes with the door ajar to prevent cracking.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
12. Once chilled, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice, and serve.