Copycat New York Cheesecake Recipe {Cheesecake Factory}

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Adjust the top rack to be positioned in the middle of the oven.

Cheesecake crust:

Finely chop the nuts or add them to a food processor to chop up.

Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and stir until well combined.

Press the mixture into a 10-1/2 inch buttered springform pan.

Using a measuring cup, press the crust and try to line the sides about to the middle of the pan edges, set aside.

Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.

Cheesecake Filling:

Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before your begin.

In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy on medium-low speed.

Add the sugar a little at a time and continue beating until well combined and creamy.

Add the eggs one at a time and beat after each addition until well combined.

Mix cornstarch with flour and add to the batter, whisk until fully combined. Careful not to over-mix.

Add vanilla extract.

Add the sour cream and beat well, stopping to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.

Pour cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for one hour and 15 minutes <– NO!  Mine needed to bake for 2 hours, so check on yours while it bakes!

Try not to open the door to the oven. At the 60 minute mark check on the cheesecake if its done. A small area in the center should wobble slightly and the edges should be puffed and light golden brown.

Cover the top with aluminum foil so the top and edges don’t burn.

Mine was not baked enough and needed another full hour to bake and then it was PERFECT.  

After the 2 hours are over, turn oven off and prop open oven door and leave the cheesecake to cool in oven for one hour.

Time to chill: After one hour, remove from oven and place on a cooling rack for about 2 hours, until the cheesecake is cool enough to be transferred to the refrigerator.

In a medium bowl, whisk together on medium-low speed sour cream and sugar until creamy and fully combined. Taste and add more sugar if needed.

Spread the topping over the cool cheesecake using an offset spatula.

Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for overnight or for 24 hours.