Let all the ingredients come to room temperature.
Preheat the oven to 350F.
Blend graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter in a food processor until super smooth.
Butter the bottom of a 9” springform pan and add the crust ingredients. Pack it tightly using a measuring cup, extending a bit up the edges. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 325F.
For the cheesecake batter, cream the cream cheese for 3-5 minutes until creamy. Scrape the sides to ensure everything mixes evenly. Add sugar, salt, and vanilla; cream for an additional 3-5 minutes until well combined.
Whisk the eggs lightly in a separate bowl. Add them to the batter slowly, mixing at a low speed until just combined. Avoid overbeating to prevent a spongy texture.
Add the cream, sour cream, and lemon juice. Mix at low speed until just combined. Don’t forget to scrape the sides.
Fold in cornstarch. Pour the batter into the crust. Seal the pan tightly with aluminum foil on the outside.
Place a tray in the oven with 1-2 inches of boiling water. Put the pan in the water and bake for 75 minutes. Don’t open the oven. The cheesecake should have firm edges but be very jiggly inside when done.
Cool at room temperature for 15 minutes. Release the springform edges, cover with foil, and cool for 2-3 hours at room temperature, then overnight in the fridge.
Decorate with whipped cream if you’d like and serve! Enjoy your amazing cheesecake!