Scrolling through so many cheesecake recipes, I have, I found this one again that was from my hometown.
Someone gave it to me years and years ago. I loved Manny's cheesecake.
When I was given this copycat version I put it in my recipe box and forgot about it.
I was lucky enough to buy one often when I lived up there so I didn't need to make it.
Then I moved to Florida and started making my own to get my fix on that delicious flavor.
Then a few years ago, this childhood bakery tragically burned down.
It was really a legendary establishment from my home town in Utica, New York and closed but still sells from their home.
This is a step by step easy recipe, as close as could be except for a few preferences of flavor.
My hometown is famous for many different recipes, like this one and below are a few more links to try.
Scroll down for this recipe card at the end.
Years Later
That recipe I had tucked away became really important now, and I decided it was time to bake a copycat Manny's cheesecake.
It was in my recipe box for over 30 years.
As I was baking it, I was doubting it could ever come close to the original delicious taste, etched in my mind.
I've been given so many other knockoff recipes in the past.
Those really didn't come close to original like this one.
Memories
Although this may still not be exact and never will replace that famous Manny's Cheesecake memory that I recall, this was pretty darn good!
I would say it's a pretty darn close version from what I remember and very delicious.
Beating is key
During the times I was learning to bake there was one thing I stick too that foolproof.
I put my timer on for 5 minutes and whip with the electric mixer the cream cheese and sugar.
Adding the eggs, flavorings and then sour cream at the end for another 2 to 3 minutes makes this so smooth and creamy.
It's perfect!
Tips
- Preheat the Oven to 400 then lower to 325 degrees
- Always put a pan of water in the oven while baking
- Line the springform pan with parchment for easy removal
- Always use the cream cheese at room temperature and eggs
- Leave the cheesecake when done with the oven shut off for an extra 30 minutes
- Refrigerate for 5 hours before serving.
Smooth and Creamy
The batter is very thick smooth and creamy.
Make sure you are scraping the edges of the bowl with a spatula to get all the cream cheese incorporated and blended evenly.
There shouldn't be any lumps in this batter.
Tools You Will Need
- Springform Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Measuring Cup
- 5-quart Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Large Baking Pan for Water Bath
Crust or crustless
The original is crustless which I added.
If you want a more original version and your a Manny's Cheesecake lover don't add the crust and make a homemade glaze it's worth it!
Please read all the tips and recipe before starting.
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The Best Cheesecake
Manny's cheesecake was everyone favorite in Utica.
Now that they have closed, I was compelled to make this over and over to get it right.
I adapted the recipe I was given several times before I posted this one.
Making A Come Back
From what I read online, Manny's now does make cheesecakes again from their home.
This cheesecake recipe copycat is the closest taste I came up with living in Florida and don't get back home often.
I have always missed and loved all the local foods that Utica is famous for, I needed to start adapting and recreating everything I left behind and loved.
Strawberries
The strawberries were always huge on top of their cheesecakes,
Strawberries are one of my favorite fruits if you want to change it up to whatever you like or have allergies, just leave them off.
They sold them either way, plain or with strawberries whole on top.
The cheesecake plain is still one of my favorites with no crust.
Utica is famous for Tomato Pie, Italian Greens, Italian Lemon Ice, Pizza Fritta, Chicken Riggies, Manny's Cheesecake, Oscugnizzo Pizza, Pusties and Rosato Chocolate Cookies.
Get Creative!
You can add nuts on the sides or even chocolate chips for something different.
I did this one for my husbands birthday, it was delicious with sliced almonds!
Just spread some warm strawberry jam on the sides and sprinkle the almonds on the sides first before the topping.
Give This A Try!
If you are a cheesecake lover, don't miss out on trying this delicious copycat cheesecake recipe.
It doesn't matter if you never had the original, this one is still amazing!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Copycat Manny's Utica New York
Yield: 12
prep time: 18 Mcook time: 1 H & 10 Mtotal time: 1 H & 28 M
This is a copycat recipe from my hometown Utica New York. Manny's is a famous delicious creamy cheesecake everyone grew up within the 1960s.
This recipe isn't exactly like theirs. Manny's made the best cheesecake ever. Still a terrific close recipe that everyone enjoys with these easy to follow instructions.
This recipe isn't exactly like theirs. Manny's made the best cheesecake ever. Still a terrific close recipe that everyone enjoys with these easy to follow instructions.
ingredients:
- You will need a 9-inch springform pan for this cheesecake
- I lined mine with parchment paper for easy removal and sprayed it will cooking oil. Cut to fit making a collar for along the rim and then a circle for the bottom of the pan. Spray all exposed areas with cooking spray.
- Get a 13 x 9 baking pan and fill halfway with regular tap water and set on the lowest rack.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees then lower the heat to 325 degrees for baking. Don't forget this step.
- 4 packages cream cheese
- 5 eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon regular, pure vanilla ( lemon extract if you prefer a different flavor and add 1 tablespoon of zest)
- 1 pound of fresh strawberries hulled and washed set aside
- 1 recipe of glaze or use jar strawberry ice cream topping or use strawberry jelly ( glaze recipe to follow below)
instructions:
How to cook Strawberry Cheesecake Copycat Manny's Utica New York
- This recipe is usually crustless if you prefer a crust here is the recipe:
- 3 cups shortbread cookies or graham crackers crushed in a food processor
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Mix together and place on the bottom of the pan. Bake for 5 minutes at 400 degrees. That will keep crumbs from floating to the top.
- Note: If you skip that step crumbs will float to the top after pouring the batter on the crust.
- Filling:
- In an industrial mixer, beat 4 packages of cream cheese with the cup of sugar for 5 minutes.
- Add the eggs and beat for 1 minute, then add the flavoring, sour cream and continue for 2 more minutes until well blended.
- Pour batter into a prepared and lined parchment springform pan ( crust goes in first if using)
- I have done both crustless and crust kinds of cheesecake. Our family likes the crust style cheesecake.
- Set the baking 13 x 9 water-filled pan on the bottom rack.
- Place the cheesecake springform pan in the middle rack.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the middle is set. If it begins to brown or burn place foil over the top.
- Shut off the oven and leave in there for 30 minutes.
- I chill this cheesecake before removing the outer ring.
- After making the topping I also chill for at least 5 hours before serving.
- Make the topping:
- For HOMEMADE GLAZE:
- 1 cup pureed berries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/ 1/2 tablespoons corn starch
- 3/4 cup water (dissolved the corn starch in the water)
- Bring berries and sugar to a boil. Add the corn starch and water mixture and cook stirring constantly until this thickens, the glaze will be clear and thicken when done. Cool. Dip each whole berry in this cooled mixture and place on the cheesecake.
Calories
520
520
Fat (grams)
22
22
Sat. Fat (grams)
11
11
Carbs (grams)
27
27
Net carbs
19
19
Sugar (grams)
22
22
Pin for later Strawberry Cheesecake Copycat