New York Cheesecake

New York Cheesecake is a rich, dense, and creamy dessert characterized by its tall stature, smooth texture, and slightly tangy flavor profile. Unlike lighter versions, this classic style relies heavily on cream cheese, eggs, and often a splash of lemon juice or sour cream, all baked atop a sturdy graham cracker crust. Originating in the United States, it became iconic through New York City delis and diners in the 20th century.

🍳 View the full New York Cheesecake recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dessert is notably high in fat and calories, primarily due to its cream cheese base, while also providing a significant amount of protein from the eggs and dairy. A single slice typically ranges from 400 to 800 calories depending on size and richness, offering a dense source of energy rather than essential vitamins.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	401 kcal
Protein	5.8 g
Carbs	32.1 g
Fat	28.2 g
Fiber	0.3 g
Sugar	25.8 g
Sodium	320 mg
Calcium	78 mg
Phosphorus	100 mg
Vitamin A	250 IU
Vitamin B12	0.3 mcg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.15 mg
Selenium	5 mcg
Zinc	0.8 mg
Cholesterol	110 mg

Per 1 slice (125 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Historically, the recipe is often credited to Arnold Reuben, who reportedly served it at his Turf Restaurant in the 1920s, though it gained widespread fame through Lindy's and Junior's restaurants. Nutritionally, it is unique among cakes because it relies on custard-like setting (coagulation of proteins) rather than flour or baking powder for structure, resulting in its signature dense consistency.