Dreamy Philadelphia Cheesecake Recipe: Silky Smooth Perfection

Creamy and decadent, this Philadelphia cheesecake recipe promises to be the ultimate dessert sensation that melts in your mouth.

Rich cream cheese blends seamlessly with a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a luxurious texture that screams indulgence.

Every bite delivers a silky smooth experience that captures the essence of classic American baking.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with expert techniques to craft a dessert that feels both nostalgic and extraordinary.

Perfectly balanced sweet notes dance across your palate, making this cheesecake a showstopper for any occasion.

Weekend bakers and dessert enthusiasts will fall in love with this straightforward yet impressive treat that turns an ordinary moment into something truly special.

Prepare to wow everyone with a slice of pure cheesecake perfection.

What Sets Philadelphia Cheesecake Apart From Others

• Indulge in Decadent Delights: These cream and jam donuts offer a luxurious treat that combines rich, creamy filling with sweet fruity jam for an irresistible flavor explosion.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Sensation: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and special celebrations, these donuts will impress guests with their professional-looking presentation and homemade charm.
• Master Baker Techniques: Learn professional pastry skills by practicing yeast dough preparation, cream whipping, and deep-frying techniques that elevate your baking confidence and culinary expertise.
• Family Baking Adventure: Create memorable moments in the kitchen by involving family members in different stages of donut making, from mixing dough to filling and decorating, turning cooking into a fun, interactive experience.

Ingredients Needed For Philadelphia Cheesecake Today

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crumb mixture and helps bind the crust together.
• Butter: Melted butter helps the crust ingredients stick and creates a rich, golden texture.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its smooth, creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and balances its richness.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set properly during baking.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cheesecake.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a subtle brightness and helps balance the richness of the cream cheese.

• Fruit, Pie Filling, Chocolate, Caramel Sauce: These toppings can add extra flavor and visual appeal to the finished cheesecake.

Baking Instructions For Philadelphia Cheesecake Lovers

Step 1: Craft the Crunchy Base

Warm up your oven to a cozy 375F (190C). Grab a medium bowl and tumble in graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.

Mix these ingredients until they look like soft, delicate sand. Press this delightful mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 7-8 minutes. Once done, pull it out and let it chill at room temperature.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Lower the oven temperature to a gentle 325F (165C). In a large mixing bowl, start beating the cream cheese and sugar.

• First egg
• Second egg
• And so on

Mix on low speed, scraping down the bowl’s sides after each addition.

Drizzle in vanilla extract and lemon juice, blending on low speed until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious cream cheese mixture over your prepared crust.

Smooth the top with a gentle touch. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 70-85 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the center looks set and slightly firm.

Step 4: Cool and Rest

Turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly.

Let your cheesecake rest inside for one hour – this helps prevent unsightly cracks. After that, move the cheesecake to the counter and let it cool for another hour.

Finally, tuck it into the refrigerator for at least one hour, or better yet, overnight.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

When you’re ready to indulge, crown your cheesecake with delectable toppings.

Try fresh berries, rich pie filling, decadent chocolate sauce, or smooth caramel drizzle.

Key Details To Get Cheesecake Texture Right

• Slowly cool the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open to minimize surface cracks and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Beat cream cheese mixture at medium speed and mix eggs on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause surface bubbling or cracking.
• Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, using the bottom of a measuring cup to compact the crumbs for a stable, crisp base.
• Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the cream cheese filling and balance the rich, sweet profile of the classic cheesecake.
• Bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother, more uniform batter and better overall texture.

Flavor Styles To Try With Philadelphia Cheesecake

• Gluten-Free Cheesecake: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cheesecake: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of eggs, and choose plant-based butter for the crust.
• Low-Carb Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake: Add sugar-free cocoa powder to half the filling, creating a marbled chocolate effect and reducing overall carbohydrate content.
• Fruit-Infused Cheesecake: Mix pureed raspberries or blueberries directly into the filling for a natural fruity flavor and vibrant color.

Good Treats To Serve With Cheesecake

• Pair Sweet Port Wine: Rich, dessert-style port wines complement the creamy cheesecake perfectly, enhancing its sweet and tangy flavor profile with deep, complex notes.
• Serve Fresh Berry Compote: Create a vibrant raspberry or strawberry compote topping that adds bright acidity and natural sweetness, cutting through the cheesecake's richness while providing beautiful color contrast.
• Match Espresso or Cappuccino: Strong Italian coffee drinks provide a robust counterpoint to the dessert's smooth texture, with the espresso's bitter undertones balancing the cheesecake's creamy sweetness.
• Select Moscato d'Asti: This light, sparkling Italian white wine offers delicate floral and peachy notes that dance elegantly alongside the cheesecake, creating a refreshing and harmonious dessert experience.

Philadelphia Cheesecake: Tips To Keep Fresh Longer

• Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its creamy texture and flavor.
• Wrap the entire cheesecake securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month without losing its delicious taste and smooth consistency.
• Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a quick and convenient dessert.
• Bring refrigerated cheesecake to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. For frozen slices, thaw in the refrigerator and enjoy at room temperature to preserve the best texture and taste.

FAQs

• Why use lemon juice in the cheesecake?

Lemon juice adds a subtle tangy flavor and helps balance the richness of the cream cheese, creating a more complex and balanced taste profile.

• How do I know when the cheesecake is fully baked?

The cheesecake is done when the center is slightly jiggly but set, and the edges are firm. It should not look liquid or wet in the middle when gently shaken.

• Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and richness. Low-fat versions might result in a less creamy and less smooth cheesecake.

Philadelphia Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Silky smooth Philadelphia cheesecake combines classic New York bakery magic with rich cream cheese perfection. Creamy layers melt on your palate, offering a luxurious dessert experience that delights with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) salted butter, melted

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) for creating the graham cracker foundation.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl until the texture resembles fine, uniform sand.
3. Transfer the crumb mixture into a 9-inch springform pan, pressing firmly to create an even base layer.
4. Bake the crust for 7-8 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
5. Adjust oven temperature down to 325F (165C) for the cheesecake filling preparation.
6. Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese and sugar at medium speed until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
7. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing at low speed and carefully scraping bowl sides after each addition to ensure thorough integration.
8. Gently fold in vanilla extract and lemon juice, maintaining a low mixing speed to preserve the filling’s delicate texture.
9. Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, using a spatula to create a perfectly leveled surface.
10. Bake for 70-85 minutes, monitoring until the center sets with a slight wobble.
11. Switch off the oven, crack the door open, and allow the cheesecake to gradually cool inside for one hour to minimize potential surface cracking.
12. Transfer cheesecake to room temperature and let rest for another hour before refrigerating for minimum one hour or ideally overnight.
13. Before serving, optionally garnish with fruit, pie filling, chocolate, or caramel sauce to enhance visual appeal and flavor profile.

Notes

• Use room temperature cream cheese to achieve a smoother, lump-free filling that blends perfectly.
• Wrap the springform pan’s exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath baking method.
• Crack prevention is crucial, so avoid overmixing the batter and bake the cheesecake in a gentle, controlled environment.
• For gluten-free alternatives, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to maintain the delicious crust texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 169
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 72 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg