This Philadelphia classic cheesecake recipe makes a traditional, classic cheesecake that’s sure to impress. Top with fresh fruit just before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Philadelphia Classic Cheesecake Recipe
Do you love creamy cheesecake and easy delicious dessert recipes?
Then you’ll adore this Philadelphia Classic Cheesecake with rich cream cheese filling (yum!) and buttery graham cracker crust (double yum!). Here’s why:
2-Ingredient Crust:Â Â The simplicity of bark, which requires simple graham and oily Nieto, makes it a quick and easy recipe.
Easy, 3-Ingredient Cheesecake Filling:Â This classic recipe for Philadelphia cheesecake is very simple. Nearly foolproof.
Creamy and Delicious:Â That rich, velvety cream cheese filling paired with a crumbly crust is a classic for a reason.
Here’s What You Need for this Philadelphia Classic Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
For the crust:
Graham Cracker Crumbs:Â The main ingredient that forms the crust is these. They bring a sweet and crunchy touch to the texture. You can easily prepare them at home by putting whole graham crackers into a food processor and pulsing them.
Melted Butter:Â Binds the crumbs together for the crust.
For the filling:
Philadelphia Cream Cheese: Â The central component for having a rich and smooth filling. Full-fat cream cheese is a requirement.Â
Granulated Sugar:Â This sweetness, in particular, helps to camouflage the sour taste of the cream cheese.Â
Eggs:Â These are the reasons why the cheesecake helps to bake as it cooks, and thus takes on a form.
Optional 4th Ingredient:Â A flavoring like vanilla extract, for a vanilla cheesecake flavor. Almond extract is nice, too, but only use 1/4 of a teaspoon because it is strong. For a lemony vibe, add the finely grated zest of a lemon. Mini chocolate chips are tasty, too.
Ingredients Of PHILADELPHIA Classic Cheesecake
- 1 ½ cups HONEY MAID Graham Cracker Crumbs
- â…“ cup butter or margarine, melted
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 4 (8 oz.) packages PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 eggs
How to Make PHILADELPHIA Classic Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Gather Ingredients
Collect all components. Set the oven to heat at 325°F (165°C).
Step 2: Make & Press the Crust
Take a big bowl and combine the crumbs, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar; mix well and firmly pack the mixture into the bottom of the 9-inch springform pan.
Step 3: Mix Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract, and whip until smooth.
Step 4: Add Eggs & Pour Batter
Add the eggs one by one, mixing at low speed until well combined. Pour batter on top of the crust.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake
Put in the oven and bake until the center is just about set, for approximately 45-55 minutes.
Step 6: Cool & Remove Pan Rim
Loosen the cake from the pan rim; cool before removing the rim.
Step 7: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Crumbs:Â If you want gluten-free, make use of gluten-free graham crackers. Also, you can replace it with chocolate wafer cookies, Nilla wafers, or any other biscuit you prefer to modify the base.
Grab these Tools
- 9-inch Springform Pan: Â This is a must-have tool that will assist you with the quick and simple unmolding of the cheesecake.
- Electric Mixer:Â This piece of equipment will be the blender of the filling so that it is smooth.
- Large Mixing Bowl:Â To prepare the components of the crust and filling, a frying pan is needed.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons:Â The exact ingredients of the recipe you will need to measure with these.
- Oven: Â The only equipment that will help you properly bake the cheesecake is this.
Tasty Toppings for Your Philadelphia Classic Cheesecake
A cheesecake classic also has its beauty in its ability to adapt to so many other flavors. Here are some of my toppings:
- Fresh Fruit: Â Caking your cheesecake with sliced berries, sliced bananas, or kiwi is an awesome way to have a refreshing dessert. I love the combination of strawberry cheesecake and fresh strawberries simply marinated with sugar.
- Sauces and Syrups:Â Moreover, you can season every slice with caramel, chocolate syrup, or fruit compote for additional flavors. Usually, I prefer to use cherry pie filling, which is already cooked.
- Whipped Cream: Â Just a single spoonful of whipped cream added makes it airier and gives a creamy flavor.
- Crumbled Cookies or Nuts: For variation, one may put a small amount of powdered cookies or a handful of nuts.
Philadelphia Classic Cheesecake Make Ahead and Storage
Proper planning and storage play a big role in your Philadelphia Cheesecake being enjoyed at its best. Here are some things you should be aware of:
- Making Ahead:Â Â You have the freedom to choose whether to prepare the cheesecake 1 or 2 days ahead of time. It ensures the filling is set correctly.
- Refrigerating:Â The cheesecake stays viable in the refrigerator for no more than 4 days. You may put it in a plastic wrap or an airtight container.
- Freezing:Â Philadelphia Cheesecake can be frozen for 2 months. As a first step, you should wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then cover it with aluminum foil.
- Thawing:Â Â Â Among all methods, the only way that is utmost simplest one is that you can just put the cheesecake in your refrigerator overnight. Besides, thawing it at the temperature would be the best option to have the texture as it was.Â
- Room Temperature:Â Â One of the best tips for this is to let the cheesecake stay at room temperature. About 20 minutes before serving it.
- Storing Toppings Separately: In case you are going to add toppings, one surprising option is to prepare them apart and only put them on a serving day for the favorable taste and right consistency.
PHILADELPHIA Classic Cheesecake FAQs
What ingredients are needed for a PHILADELPHIA Classic Cheesecake?
Philadelphia classic cheesecake is a soft and tasty dessert whose primary ingredient is cream cheese. It is made using eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract, and is a favorite. The most direct way to enhance the flavor is to add a couple of your favorite ingredients, like graham cracker crumbs, oil, or heavy cream.
How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
To begin with, overmixing the cheesecake batter is a no-no as it will prevent cracking; therefore, mix it into the mixing bowl, bake it in a water bath, and it should remain closed when it is baking (the oven door). Furthermore, permit the cheesecake to cool down gradually by turning the windows off and just leaving the door a bit open.
How should I store my PHILADELPHIA Classic Cheesecake?
The cheesecake is good for 5 days in the fridge. A great method to keep the remaining appreciation of the cake is to use an air-tight wrap or aluminum foil to cover it fully or to store it in an air-tight container. Besides, you can freeze the leftover cheesecakes to use them for up to 2 months. Food can be frozen by tightly wrapping it in cling film. Doing it this way, you can prevent the entry of moisture and keep the food safe in the freezer. Keep it in the fridge before serving it.
Recipe Tip
In case you are using a dark, non-stick springform pan, heat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius).
PHILADELPHIA Classic Cheesecake
Equipment
- pan
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Philadelphia cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tbsp Vanilla
- 2 eggs
- 1 graham cracker pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until blended. Add vanilla or almond extract if using.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until combine
- Pour the mixture over the crust in the pan.
- Turn the oven off and open the door halfway. Let it cool in the oven to room temperature and then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Run a knife around the inside of the pan to loosen the cake then remove the rim and slice to serve.