New York Style Cheesecake

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust
   Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool while preparing the filling.
2. Make the filling
   In a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and sugar together on medium speed until completely smooth, about 3 minutes. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until combined. On low speed, add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Add the flour and mix until just combined. Stir in the lemon juice and zest by hand.
3. Prepare water bath
   Wrap the outside of the springform pan with a double layer of aluminum foil, covering the bottom and extending up the sides. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Pour the cheesecake batter into the springform pan.
4. Bake the cheesecake
   Pour hot water into the roasting pan, enough to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Carefully place in the oven and bake for about 1 hour 15 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle when the pan is gently shaken.
5. Cool gradually
   Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven for 1 hour. Remove from the water bath and place on a cooling rack to cool completely to room temperature, about 2 hours.
6. Chill thoroughly
   Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. The longer it chills, the better it will set and the cleaner your slices will be.
7. Serve the cheesecake
   Run a thin knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan before removing the sides of the springform. Slice with a sharp, clean knife, wiping the knife clean between each cut for neat slices. Serve plain or with your favorite toppings such as fresh berries, fruit compote, or whipped cream.