A slice of Philadelphia cheesecake on a white plate, topped with fresh strawberries and berry sauce, showcasing a smooth and creamy texture for a classic dessert

philadelphia cheesecake recipe

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The Ultimate Philadelphia Cheesecake Recipe: Creamy and Delicious

You are looking for the perfect dessert that combines simplicity with indulgence? This Philadelphia cheesecake recipe is a must-try! Made with the classic Philadelphia cream cheese, it’s rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a fan of traditional New York cheesecake or want to try your hand at a no-bake cheesecake, this recipe covers all the bases for a dessert that will impress your family and friends.

Recipe Card: Philadelphia Cheesecake Recipe

Recipe Name:
Philadelphia Cheesecake

Description:
A creamy, rich cheesecake made with Philadelphia cream cheese, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, velvety filling. Perfect for any occasion!

Prep TimeCook TimeTotal TimeServingsCalories
20 minutes55 minutes1 hour 15 minutes (plus cooling time)12 slicesApproximately 360 per serving

Ingredients:

philadelphia cheesecake recipe
  • For the crust:
    • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • For the filling:
    • 4 (8 oz) packages of Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 4 large eggs
    • 1 cup sour cream
    • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for stability)
  • For the topping (optional):
    • Fresh berries
    • Whipped cream

Instructions:

Bowl of graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter being mixed to form the crust for Philadelphia cheesecake
  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 325°F (160°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan in preparation for the cheesecake filling.
  2. Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well blended. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the springform pan to create a firm crust. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, mix the softened Philadelphia cream cheese until it reaches a smooth consistency. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and fully combined.
  1. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, mix the softened Philadelphia cream cheese until it reaches a smooth consistency. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and fully combined.
  2. Add the Eggs: One at a time, beat in the eggs on low speed, just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cheesecake filling light.
  3. Stir in Sour Cream and Flour (Optional): Stir in the sour cream and, if desired, flour for added stability.
  4. Pour and Bake: Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the center is almost set but slightly jiggly. The edges should be firm.
  5. Cool Slowly: Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door cracked open for 1 hour, then transfer to a cooling rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  6. Serve: Before serving, top with fresh berries or whipped cream for added flavor.

Notes:

  • For a smooth texture, make sure to use room temperature Philadelphia cream cheese.
  • For a no-bake cheesecake, skip the baking steps and chill the cheesecake in the fridge until set.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Protein: 6g

Why You’ll Love This Philadelphia Cheesecake Recipe:

  1. Classic Taste: This Philadelphia cream cheese cheesecake has that tangy, creamy flavor that everyone loves in a classic cheesecake.
  2. Simple and Easy: With just a few ingredients, this is a cheesecake recipe easy enough for beginners to make.
  3. Versatile: This recipe can be customized with your favorite toppings or turned into a Philadelphia no-bake cheesecake.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Philadelphia Cream Cheese: The key to the perfect cheesecake! The rich, smooth texture of Philly cream cheese makes this dessert irresistible.
  • Graham Cracker Crust: A buttery graham cracker crust is a traditional base for any cheesecake recipe. You can substitute with digestive biscuits or Oreo crumbs for a twist.
  • Sour Cream: Adds a tangy depth of flavor to the cheesecake filling. If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute.
philadelphia cheesecake recipe

How to Make Philadelphia Cheesecake (Step-by-Step)

  1. Crust Preparation: The first step is to create a sturdy base for your cheesecake. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar, then bake for 10 minutes to set the crust.
  1. Make the Filling: Beat softened Philadelphia cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add sugar and vanilla. Add the eggs one by one, making sure not to overmix.
  1. Bake Low and Slow: Baking at a low temperature helps to keep the cheesecake creamy and avoid cracks on top. The center should remain slightly wobbly when you switch off the oven.
  2. Chill and Serve: After cooling the cheesecake, refrigerate it to let it set. The longer it chills, the better it tastes!
Creamy Philadelphia cheesecake with graham cracker crust and strawberry garnish, showcasing a smooth slice cut out on a white plate

Expert Tips for Success

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can lead to cracks in your cheesecake. Mix on low speed just until the ingredients are blended together.
  • Water Bath: For a perfectly smooth top, bake your cheesecake in a water bath. Wrap the pan in foil, place it in a larger pan, and add 1 inch of water to prevent cracks.

Variations and Customizations

  • New York Cheesecake: For a firmer and richer cheesecake, leave out the sour cream and use an additional egg.
  • No-Bake Cheesecake: If you prefer a Philadelphia no-bake cheesecake, skip the baking step and allow the cheesecake to chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours.
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake: Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree and a dash of cinnamon to the filling for a delicious fall twist.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Cheesecake freezes beautifully! Wrap it in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month.
  • Reheating: Cheesecake doesn’t need to be reheated, but allow frozen cheesecake to thaw in the fridge overnight.

Serving Suggestions

  • Berries: Fresh berries or a berry compote make a perfect topping for this Philadelphia cream cheesecake.
  • Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the richness of the cheesecake.
  • Chocolate Ganache: For an indulgent twist, drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate ganache over the top before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
    Yes, this Philadelphia cheesecake is best made the day before. It tastes even better after chilling in the fridge overnight.
  2. What can I use instead of graham crackers?
    You can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits, Oreo crumbs, or even shortbread cookies for a different flavor.
  3. How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
    Bake the cheesecake at a low temperature, avoid overmixing the filling, and let the cheesecake cool gradually to avoid cracks.
  • New York Cheesecake Recipe: For a dense, classic cheesecake experience.
  • No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe: When you’re short on time, try a no-bake version for easy preparation.
  • Mini Cheesecakes: Perfect for parties or individual servings.

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about a classic Philadelphia cream cheese cheesecake. It’s rich, creamy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer the simplicity of the original recipe or want to try a no-bake cheesecake version, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your household. So grab your cheesecake ingredients and get baking—you’ll love every bite!

Give it a try, and savor the creamy, indulgent delight of this Philadelphia Cheesecake Recipe! Perfect for a sweet treat to brighten your day or to share with loved ones. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your #BeesRecipes creations on Instagram – we can’t wait to see your unique take on this classic cheesecake!