New York Cheesecake with Berry Sauce
A crunchy biscuit base, a dense and creamy filling and a tangy berry topping.
New York cheesecake is famous for its dense, creamy texture and rich flavour. It isn’t hard to make, but a few rules make all the difference between a cracked top and a flawless, silky slice.
Rules for a crack-free cheesecake
- Have every ingredient at room temperature.
- Mix on low speed; never whip.
- Bake low and slow in a water bath.
- Let it cool gradually.
Nutrition
Per serving (≈ 130 g). Approximate values.
How to make it
4 steps · start a timer right inside a step
Base
Crush the biscuits and mix with the melted butter. Press firmly into the base of a 22 cm springform tin and bake at 180°C for ten minutes. Lower the oven to 160°C.
Filling
Mix the cream cheese with the sugar and cornflour on low speed until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, then the cream and vanilla. Don’t beat on high; air bubbles cause cracks.
Bake in a water bath
Wrap the outside of the tin in foil and stand it in a roasting tin. Pour in the filling and add boiling water to the roasting tin. Bake at 160°C for 55–60 minutes until set at the edges with a slight wobble in the centre. Cool in the oven with the door ajar for an hour.
Topping and chilling
Simmer the berries with the sugar for 5–7 minutes and cool. Chill the cheesecake for at least six hours and spoon over the berry sauce before serving.
Cook’s tips
- 1Slice with a knife dipped in hot water.
- 2A little lemon zest brightens the filling.
- 3Keeps in the fridge for up to five days.
- 4Wrap the outside of your springform pan in two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil to ensure no water seeps into the crust during the water bath.
Serving & storage: Serve each slice with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream to balance the richness of the cheese. Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to five days, as it is best served chilled directly from the fridge.
Which cheese to use
Full-fat cream cheese such as Philadelphia gives the best result. Curd cheese or mascarpone will change both the flavour and the texture.
The takeaway
Cheesecake is the perfect make-ahead celebration dessert. Try it with salted caramel or chocolate sauce instead of berries.
