New York cheesecake

New York Cheesecake is a popular variety of cheesecake, a dessert made primarily of cream cheese, eggs, and sugar. Originating in the United States, it is particularly associated with the city of New York City, from which it derives its name.

History

The history of the New York Cheesecake can be traced back to the early 20th century. It is believed to have originated in the Jewish communities of the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City. The recipe was popularized by several New York-based bakeries and restaurants, most notably Arnold Reuben's Turf Restaurant.

Ingredients and Preparation

The primary ingredients of New York Cheesecake are cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Unlike other varieties of cheesecake, it does not typically include a sour cream topping. The crust is usually made from crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits, mixed with melted butter and sugar.

The cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla are mixed together until smooth, then poured over the crust in a springform pan. The cheesecake is then baked in a water bath to ensure even cooking and to prevent cracking.

Characteristics

New York Cheesecake is known for its rich, creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor. It is typically denser and heavier than other types of cheesecake, due to the high proportion of cream cheese in the recipe. It is often served plain, but may also be topped with fruit, chocolate, or other sweet sauces.

Variations

While the classic New York Cheesecake is made with a graham cracker crust and no topping, there are many variations on the recipe. Some versions include a sour cream topping, while others incorporate different flavors into the filling, such as chocolate or strawberry. There are also variations in the crust, with some recipes using cookie crumbs or pastry dough instead of graham crackers.

See Also

• Cheesecake
• American cuisine
• Desserts of the United States
• Cuisine of New York City