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