Ultimate New York Cheesecake

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 9 whole graham cracker sheets (150g)
• 1 cup (100g) toasted walnuts
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp (15g) all-purpose flour
• 5 tbsp (70g) unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

• 4 (8-ounce) blocks of cream cheese, softened (900g)
• 1 cup (225g) goat cheese
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp (6g) cornstarch
• 1/2 cup (115g) sour cream
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
• 5 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks

For the cherry topping:

• 12 oz (340g) frozen pitted dark cherries
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: In a food processor, pulse graham crackers, toasted walnuts, granulated sugar, salt, and flour until finely ground. Slowly add melted butter while processing until evenly combined.
2. Assemble the crust: Press about 60% of the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan lined with cooking spray. Use a flat-bottomed glass to pack the crumbs evenly. Press the remaining 40% of the crumbs onto the sides of the pan to create a crust.
3. Bake the crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
4. Prepare the filling: Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat together cream cheese and goat cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and cornstarch, mixing for another minute.
5. Incorporate remaining filling ingredients: Add sour cream, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add eggs and egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6. Pour the filling: Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Bake at 325°F for 60 minutes. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside for an additional 45 minutes.
7. Cool and refrigerate: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 hours or overnight.

For the cherry topping:

1. Prepare the cherries: In a saucepan, combine frozen cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until cherries release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
2. Cool and serve: Let the cherry topping cool before spreading it over the chilled cheesecake. Slice and serve your ultimate New York cheesecake with a delightful cherry topping. Enjoy!