Carnegie Deli Cheesecake Recipe

If you’re a cheesecake lover, you’ve undoubtedly heard of the famous Carnegie Deli Cheesecake.

This ultimate cheesecake has graced the plates of millions, earning a well-deserved reputation as a classic and iconic dessert from one of New York City’s most legendary restaurants.

The secret to the allure of this recipe lies in its distinctive recipe, which boasts a deliciously crisp crust and rich, creamy filling.

Rather than using a graham cracker crust, the Carnegie Deli’s version features a sugar cookie crust, enhancing the cake’s overall flavor and texture.

The filling is a mouthwatering combination of cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and a hint of flour or cornstarch to help create the perfect velvety smoothness.

How to Make Carnegie Deli Cheesecake

Ingredients List

• Crust:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1⁄4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into 1/4-inch bits
• Filling:
  • 1 1⁄4 lbs softened cream cheese
  • 3⁄4 cup sugar
  • 1 1⁄2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 1⁄2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 egg yolk

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Prepare the crust

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Next, add 1 egg yolk and 1/2 cup chilled unsalted butter bits.

Using your fingertips, blend the mixture until it forms pea-sized lumps.

Press the mixture into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat the oven

Set your oven temperature to 400°F (205°C).

Step 3: Prepare the springform pan

Take a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Grease the sides of the pan with butter.

Step 4: Shape the crust

Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface.

Transfer it to the prepared springform pan.

Press the dough evenly on the bottom and about 1 inch (2.5 cm) up the sides of the pan.

Trim any excess dough.

Step 5: Bake the crust

Place the crust in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

Remove from the oven and allow it to cool while preparing the filling.

Step 6: Prepare the cheesecake filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1⁄4 lbs softened cream cheese, 3⁄4 cup sugar, 1 1⁄2 tablespoons flour, 1 1⁄2 teaspoons lemon juice and 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract.

Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture at medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Add eggs

In a separate bowl, lightly beat 3 whole eggs and 1 egg yolk.

Gradually add the beaten eggs to the cream cheese mixture, continuing to beat until they are fully incorporated.

Step 8: Pour the filling

Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled crust in the springform pan.

Step 9: Bake the cheesecake

Adjust the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

Place the filled springform pan in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.

A toothpick inserted into the center of the cheesecake should come out mostly clean.

Step 10: Cool and refrigerate

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

Once cooled, cover and refrigerate it overnight for the optimal cheesecake experience, allowing the flavors to meld and the creamy texture to fully develop.

Enjoy your delicious creation garnished with a fresh fruit topping or sweet sauce of your choice!

Side Dishes for Carnegie Deli Cheesecake

Strawberry Compote:

Enhance the flavor of your dessert by serving it with a homemade strawberry compote.

This sweet and tangy topping is made from simmering fresh strawberries with sugar and lemon juice.

Its bright color and fruity taste will complement the rich creaminess of the cheesecake, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Fresh Berries:

For a more natural and healthy option, you can pair your cheesecake with an assortment of fresh berries.

Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries not only add a burst of color to the plate but also contribute antioxidants and nutrients.

Their slightly tart flavor brings out the sweetness of the cheesecake, creating a refreshing contrast.

Ingredient Substitutes

When making a Carnegie Deli cheesecake, there might be instances when you need to substitute certain ingredients.

Powdered Sugar

For a substitute for granulated sugar, you can consider using powdered sugar.

To replace 1 cup of granulated sugar, use 1 3/4 cups of powdered sugar.

Although it has a finer texture and may dissolve faster, it will still provide the required sweetness to your cheesecake recipe.

However, when using powdered sugar, keep in mind that it might affect the overall texture due to the presence of cornstarch, which prevents powdered sugar from clumping.

How to Store Carnegie Deli Cheesecake

Storing your leftovers properly is essential to ensure its freshness, taste, and quality.

Follow these steps to maintain the deliciousness of your cheesecake:

Storing individual slices:

Once the cheesecake is sliced, wrap each piece tightly in aluminum foil, making sure there’s no exposed cake or gaps in the wrapping.

This will prevent the cheesecake from drying out or absorbing any unwanted flavors from other foods in your refrigerator.

Using a springform pan:

If your cheesecake was made with a springform pan, you can leave it in the pan for easy storage.

Simply cover the pan with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep the cake fresh.

If desired, you can also cut the cake into individual slices and arrange them on a plate with parchment paper between each slice, then cover the plate with aluminum foil.

Freezing the cheesecake:

If you have a bulk amount of cheesecake or plan to store it for an extended period of time, freezing is your best option.

Wrap individual slices or the entire cheesecake in aluminum foil, followed by a layer of plastic wrap to provide extra protection against freezer burn.

Transfer the wrapped pieces into an airtight container or sealable plastic bag.

Ensure your freezer is set at a stable temperature, ideally around 0°F (-18°C), and allow the cheesecake to freeze for up to 3 months.

When ready to serve, place the cheesecake in the refrigerator for several hours before enjoying it.

By following these storage tips, you can savor the creamy, rich taste of your Carnegie Deli Cheesecake for days to come whenever you’re in the mood for a scrumptious dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Carnegie Deli Cheesecake.

Forgetting to Grease the Pan

Even if you’re using a nonstick pan, always remember to grease it.

If the cheesecake sticks to the sides and cools down, it can contract and result in a crack.

This helps ensure a crack-free cheesecake.

Overmixing the Cheesecake Cream

Of course, you want a heavenly cheesecake, but overmixing the cream can cause it to become too airy, which may lead to cracks forming.

To avoid this, mix the cream cheese on a low speed until it’s smooth.

Slowly add your ingredients to achieve that delicious cheesecake texture.