andrejthechef
USADessertDessertVegetarian

Chandler and Rachel's Cheesecake

A rich, creamy New York-style cheesecake, good enough that Chandler and Rachel famously eat it off the hallway floor in Friends after a delivery mix-up.

prep
25 min
cook
1 h
total
1 h 25 min
serves
10
level
medium
Chandler and Rachel's Cheesecake, from Friends

Chandler and Rachel receive this exact cheesecake by mistake from a downstairs neighbor in Friends, and it's good enough that after the first one is thrown away, the two of them are later caught eating a replacement straight off the hallway floor rather than let anyone else have a slice.

A slow cool in the turned-off oven, rather than pulling it straight out once baked, is the real trick to a cheesecake this smooth, since it prevents the sudden temperature drop that usually causes the top to crack.

Part of our 60 famous foods from movies and TV list.

method

  1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Mix the crushed biscuits with the melted butter, and press firmly into the base of a springform tin. Chill while you make the filling.

  2. Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until completely smooth, with no lumps.

  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined each time.

  4. Beat in the vanilla, sour cream and lemon zest.

  5. Pour the filling over the chilled crust.

  6. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble.

  7. Turn off the oven, and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly ajar for an hour, to prevent cracking.

  8. Chill fully, for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, before slicing.

chef's tips

  • Letting the cheesecake cool slowly in the turned-off oven is what actually prevents the top from cracking; a sudden temperature change is the usual cause of a split surface.
  • Beat the eggs in gently and only until just combined; overbeating adds too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to puff up and then collapse as it cools.
  • In Friends, Chandler and Rachel receive this exact cheesecake by mistake from a downstairs neighbor, and it's so good that after it's thrown out, they're later caught eating a replacement straight off the hallway floor rather than share it.
  • Room-temperature cream cheese and eggs mix far more smoothly than cold ones, so leave them out for at least an hour before starting.