Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Crust Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine melted butter with graham cracker crumbs and a pinch of salt. Press evenly into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden, then cool.
Water Bath Preparation
- Wrap the springform pan with aluminum foil to make it watertight. Place it inside a roasting pan and fill the pan with hot water halfway up the sides.
Cheesecake Filling Mixing
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then sour cream, lemon juice, vanilla, and eggs, mixing until just combined.
Cheesecake Assembly
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Place in the water bath and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 60–75 minutes.
Cooling Cheesecake
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 60 minutes. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Pastry Cream Preparation
- Whisk egg yolks and sugar. Add cornstarch and flour, then temper with warm milk. Cook until thickened and fold in butter. Chill.
Pastry Cream Topping
- Spread chilled pastry cream evenly over the cheesecake. Smooth with spatula for an even layer.
Caramelizing Sugar
- Sprinkle sugar over the pastry cream. Caramelize using a kitchen torch, then let cool before slicing.
Nutrition
Notes
Using a water bath helps keep the cheesecake creamy and prevents cracks. Always caramelize the sugar topping just before serving for the best crunch.
