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Easy Cheesecake with Blueberry Topping (No Water Bath)

New-York style cheesecake and a blueberry sauce that doubles as a topping for waffles, or anything else you could possibly drown with blueberry sauce.

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As my sister put it, “This is better than the Cheesecake Factory!” I’m a huge cheesecake fan and this is the best cheesecake recipe I’ve tried.

The texture is amazingly smooth and the semi-tart blueberry topping is a perfect match! It’s simple to make and difficult to screw up.

This recipe was inspired by Ina Garten’s Cheesecake. I hope you give it a try!

Watch How To Make Cheesecake Video:

Ingredients for The Crust –

1 ½  cups graham cracker crumbs (I use “Honey Maid”  crumbs – it’s cheaper & easier. Or you can use 10 crackers)
6 Tbsp (3/4 stick) melted, unsalted butter
1 Tbsp sugar

Ingredients for The Cheesecake –

2 ½ lb cream cheese (5 blocks – 8oz each) at room temperature
1 ½ cups sugar
¼ cup sour cream
7 whole large eggs (at room temp)
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Ingredients for Blueberry Sauce:

This is based on our popular blueberry topping recipe (which is so good over breakfast and dessert!)

4 cups frozen blueberries
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp sugar

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What you will need :

A springform pan where the sides loosen and the bottom comes out.

How to Make this Cheesecake Recipe:

Preheat the oven to 350°F
Crust: combine1 ½  cups graham cracker crumbs, 1 Tbsp sugar and 6 Tbsp melted butter – mix well. Pour into a 9 or 9 ½ inch springform pan (see picture above). Use a large spoon to press the crumbs evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.

Three photos of a cheesecake crust being put together

Cheesecake Filling:

Raise oven temp to 450°F and place rack in bottom third of oven.
1. Mix 5 blocks (8oz each) of cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups of sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer on medium-high speed using paddle attachment (or use an electric hand mixer).

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2. Mix until light and fluffy (5 minutes), scrape the bowl down as necessary so you don’t get chunks of cream cheese.

3. Reduce the speed to medium and add 7 eggs, one at a time.

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4. Reduce speed to low and add 1/4 cup of sour cream and 1 ½ tsp of vanilla.

Two photos of cheesecake mixture being mixed in a mixer

5. Mix well and pour into crust.

Three photos of a cheesecake mixture being poured into a cake pan

How to Bake the Cheesecake:

Place oven rack in the bottom 1/3. (Put the center rack 1 level lower than the center. In my oven, I had the rack on the third position. If it’s too close to the top, it will brown too quickly). Bake 15 minutes at 450°F.

Without opening the oven door, Reduce oven temperature to 225 °F and bake for 1 hour and 5 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes until the center is almost set. Try not to open the oven door because you will lose heat that way and it won’t bake properly and may crack.

Remove cheesecake from the oven and cool cake to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully chilled.

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When ready to serve the cheesecake, carefully run a butter knife around the sides of the cake. Unlatch and remove the springform pan. Serve the cake on the base of the pan.

Velvety New York style cheesecake with an easy blueberry topping! @NatashasKitchen

Berry Sauce:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 Tbsp sugar, 1/4 cup water, 2 tsp cornstarch and 1 Tbsp lemon juice. As soon as it starts to thicken, add 4 cups of blueberries and cook until lightly bubbly. Don’t boil. Let cool to room temp and spread on top of the cheesecake when serving. You can make this sauce ahead of time and serve the next day as well.

This recipe is great for parties and is sure to please. Enjoy!

You also will like this No Bake Cheesecake with Strawberries

Notes: Ina makes her cheesecake recipe by adding 1 tablespoon of grated lemon zest to the cream cheese filling; but I like the original flavor of cheesecake.

Easy Cheesecake Recipe with Blueberry Topping (No Water Bath Required!)

4.90 from 135 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
New-York style cheesecake and a blueberry sauce that doubles as a topping for waffles, or anything else you could possibly drown with blueberry sauce.
Our go-to Cheesecake with an easy blueberry sauce topping. This Cheesecake recipe shows up for all of our major holidays.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 48 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 12 slices

The Crust -

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 Tbsp 3/4 stick melted, unsalted butter
  • 1 Tbsp sugar

The Cheesecake –

  • 2 ½ lb cream cheese, 5 blocks - 8oz each at room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 7 whole large eggs, at room temp
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

Blueberry Sauce:

  • 4 cups frozen blueberries
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp sugar

What you will need :

  • A springform pan where the sides loosen and the bottom comes out.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F

    Crust:

    • Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter – mix well. Pour into a 9 or 9 ½ inch springform pan. Use a large spoon to press the crumbs evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.

    Cheesecake filling:

      Increase oven temp to 450°F. Place oven rack in the bottom 1/3. (Put the center rack 1 level lower than the center. In my oven, I had the rack on the third position. If it's too close to the top, it will brown too quickly).

      • Mix the cream cheese and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer on medium-high speed using paddle attachment (or use an electric hand mixer).
      • Mix until light and fluffy (5 minutes), scrape the bowl down as necessary so you don't get chunks of cream cheese.
      • Reduce the speed to medium and add eggs, 1 at a time.
      • Reduce speed to low and add sour cream and vanilla.
      • Mix well and pour into crust.

      Baking Instructions:

      • Bake 15 minutes at 450°F.
      • Without opening the oven door, Reduce oven temperature to 225 °F and bake for 1 hour and 5 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes until the center is almost set. Try not to open the oven door because you will lose heat that way and it won't bake properly and may crack.
      • Remove cheesecake from the oven and cool cake to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully chilled.
      • When ready to serve the cheesecake, carefully run a butter knife around the sides of the cake. Unlatch and remove the springform pan. Serve the cake on the base of the pan.

      Berry Sauce:

      • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, water, cornstarch and lemon juice. As soon as it starts to thicken, add blueberries and cook until lightly bubbly. Don’t boil. Let cool to room temp and spread on top of the cheesecake when serving. You can make this sauce ahead of time and serve the next day as well. This recipe is great for parties and is sure to please. Enjoy!

      Notes

      Tips for Success:
      • If you want to remove the cake from the springform pan, you can place a ring of parchment paper on the bottom. 
      • To prevent leaks from the springform pan while baking, wrap a piece of foil under the outside of the pan. 

      Nutrition Per Serving

      603kcal Calories48g Carbs10g Protein43g Fat23g Saturated Fat217mg Cholesterol464mg Sodium229mg Potassium2g Fiber39g Sugar1639IU Vitamin A5mg Vitamin C125mg Calcium1mg Iron
      Nutrition Facts
      Easy Cheesecake Recipe with Blueberry Topping (No Water Bath Required!)
      Amount per Serving
      Calories
      603
      % Daily Value*
      Fat
       
      43
      g
      66
      %
      Saturated Fat
       
      23
      g
      144
      %
      Cholesterol
       
      217
      mg
      72
      %
      Sodium
       
      464
      mg
      20
      %
      Potassium
       
      229
      mg
      7
      %
      Carbohydrates
       
      48
      g
      16
      %
      Fiber
       
      2
      g
      8
      %
      Sugar
       
      39
      g
      43
      %
      Protein
       
      10
      g
      20
      %
      Vitamin A
       
      1639
      IU
      33
      %
      Vitamin C
       
      5
      mg
      6
      %
      Calcium
       
      125
      mg
      13
      %
      Iron
       
      1
      mg
      6
      %
      * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
      Course: Dessert
      Cuisine: American
      Keyword: cheesecake recipe
      Skill Level: Medium
      Cost to Make: $$
      Calories: 603
      Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

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      Natasha Kravchuk

      Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the creator behind Natasha's Kitchen (established in 2009), and I share family-friendly, authentic recipes. I am a New York Times Best-Selling cookbook author and a trusted video personality in the culinary world. My husband, Vadim, and I run this blog together, ensuring every recipe we share is thoroughly tested and approved. Our mission is to provide you with delicious, reliable recipes you can count on. Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy you are here.

      Read more posts by Natasha

      4.90 from 135 votes (45 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




      Comments

      • Gisele Giroux
        March 8, 2023

        Hello, I would like to make the berry sauce with a bit more sugar, my son requested this recipe with the blueberry sauce for his birthday cake, but he has a sweet tooth ! Can I maybe add a bit of condensed milk ? Would love your comments please!! thank you Gisèle.

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          March 8, 2023

          Hi Gisele, I haven’t tested that to advise, but it may work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

          Reply

      • Benita
        February 22, 2023

        I have never made a cheesecake before! Made this for my daughter-in- laws birthday! It turned out perfect!!!

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          February 22, 2023

          Great job! So good to know that it was a success.

          Reply

      • Dee
        February 15, 2023

        Hi Natasha,
        Thanks for all your recipes and for making them so step-by-step so that anyone can follow! I’ve tried this recipe several times, and it comes out great every time! Do you think I can add mini chocolate chips to this recipe?

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          February 15, 2023

          Hi Dee! You’re very welcome. I’m so glad you love my recipes. I have never tested chocolate chips in this recipe. I think it could work as long as you don’t overwhelm the cheesecake batter by adding too many. Let us know how it turns out if you experiment.

          Reply

      • - b
        August 13, 2022

        I can only comment on the blueberry topping, but it came out perfectly. I would certainly use it again.

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          August 13, 2022

          That’s wonderful! I’m so glad you enjoyed the topping! 🙂

          Reply

      • Renee
        June 18, 2022

        I’ve been using this recipe for a while now and when I make and serve everyone can’t stop eating it. It is easy and delicious! I haven’t come across one bad recipe you post. Thank you!!!

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          June 18, 2022

          That’s wonderful, Renee! Thank you for sharing!

          Reply

      • Karen
        April 19, 2022

        Made this for my Easter dinner this weekend. Wow, absolutely amazing. I didn’t quite have the 4C of blueberries so I added some blackberries. Creamy and delicious! Everyone loved it.
        Thanks so much.

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          April 19, 2022

          That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Kanen!

          Reply

      • Barbara
        April 8, 2022

        Help! I saw a recipes for a lemon loaf cake with a lemon glaze that you featured recently but I can’t find it now. What am I doing wrong?
        Thank you! I appreciate your website so much and have never had one of your recipes fail me!!!

        Reply

      • Dana K.
        December 31, 2021

        Hi, Natasha , what will happen if I forgot to put sour cream in it?Is it ok ?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          December 31, 2021

          Hi Dana, the sour cream adds moisture and a softened, smooth texture. I haven’t tested it without the sour cream, so I can’t guess. Sorry I know that’s not very helpful.

          Reply

      • Sarah
        December 24, 2021

        I’ve made this several times and it’s always a big hit!! Love this recipe, so easy and delicious!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          December 24, 2021

          That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Sarah!

          Reply

      • Olgie
        December 15, 2021

        Hi Natasha! Thanks for this wonderful recipe. I’ve been making it that last couple years. It’s definitely been a big hit! I have a question for you. I baked the cheesecake today and my oven started to smoke (a few drops from previous baking in bottom of oven 😤). I was too worried to open the oven while cheesecake was baking due to getting any cracks. Now the top of the cheesecake has a scent of the chemical smoke, it’s nothing to overwhelming! But it’s still there. Is there a way to get rid of that smell? I tried airing it out by the window. It’s still slightly there. I’m worried you’ll be able to taste it as well. Since I won’t be the one tasting it, Is there anything I can do? I was thinking maybe a little powdered sugar on top will help but can’t figure it out. Thanks so much!

        Reply

        • Natasha
          December 17, 2021

          Hi Olgie, oh bummer. I haven’t had that happen before but If your springform pan is loose, it would be a good idea to line the bottom rack with a sheet of foil to catch any butter drips. Usually, I serve this one with blueberry sauce and that should cover it well.

          Reply

      • Sanash
        September 18, 2021

        Hi Natasha!
        I want to try this recipe out but can I use something else instead of sour cream?
        Thankyou

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          September 18, 2021

          Hi Sanash, I haven’t tested it without the sour cream so I can’t really guess. Sorry I know that’s not very helpful.

          Reply

        • Jessie Chandlee
          June 5, 2022

          Not sure if you’ll see this at this point, but you can use Greek yogurt!

          Reply

          • Jadi Adams
            March 26, 2023

            I actually just used Greek yogurt on a different cheesecake recipe, the consistency looked right when taking it out of the oven.

            Also, Greek yogurt has a similar thickness to sour cream, so just use plain Greek yogurt and you’ll be good to go. 🙂

            Reply

      • Lisa Ann
        September 17, 2021

        Came out perfect! Followed recipe exactly and it was perfect. No crack!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          September 17, 2021

          That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Lisa!

          Reply

      • Carol L Ranger
        September 12, 2021

        Perfect! Amazing! Made this with my grandaughter. So easy and delicious.

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          September 12, 2021

          Thanks for your review, Carol. Glad you had a good bonding experience with your granddaughter making this recipe!

          Reply

      • rachelle
        August 29, 2021

        Hi. My brother challenged me to do this. It really does taste better than the cheese cake factory. BUT… the middle bit did not harden enough. The outside bit was firm. What did I do wrong?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          August 30, 2021

          Hi Rechelle, it could be due to needing a little more time in the oven. I would make sure your oven is calibrated to the right temperature. I wish I could be more helpful, it’s so hard to say without being there.

          Reply

        • Dave
          December 3, 2021

          I don’t think you did anything wrong. The same thing happened to me. I always pull my cheesecakes out of the oven when the center is 150 degrees. I followed these directions to the letter and the center was only at 121. I turned the heat up to 325 to finish mine.

          Reply

      • Karla McCollough
        August 14, 2021

        Can I make this with fresh blueberries? Thanks in advance!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          August 14, 2021

          Hi Karla, you can definitely use fresh blueberries. You will have to give them slightly more time to release a little juice, but the fresh blueberries will work without any other modifications.

          Reply

      • Sharon Turner
        July 31, 2021

        Having my 10 year old grand-daughter over today for a sleepover. It’s her moms birthday and we are going to make this as a surprise birthday cake!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          July 31, 2021

          Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Sharon! I hope you have the best time with your granddaughter! & happy birthday to your daughter!

          Reply

      • Viviane
        July 16, 2021

        Hi ms natasha.thank you so much for your easy simple recipe.i have been cooking your cheesecake blue berry recipe.thanks much!!!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          July 17, 2021

          Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Viviane. I’m all smiles

          Reply

      • Amy Hoover
        May 29, 2021

        Can I swap the blueberries with strawberries to make a strawberry topping?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          May 29, 2021

          Hi Amy, if you wanted to explore with different kind of berries, check out the recipe right here.

          Reply

      • Sandy
        May 5, 2021

        I tried a lot of cheese cake recipes and this the best I’ve ever had easy too and no cracks either.

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          May 5, 2021

          It’s our absolute favorite, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it as well! Thank you for stopping by with your lovely comment, Sandy!

          Reply

      • Joanne Berry
        March 24, 2021

        Your Cheesecake looks like the crust goes up the sides of the cake as well as the bottom and just wondering if that’s what you did?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          March 24, 2021

          Hi Joanne, we pressed it into the corners and bottom, so it did go up the sides slightly.

          Reply

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