This Philadelphia Cheesecake Recipe is a rich, creamy, and yummy classic. With a buttery graham cracker crust (homemade or store-bought!)
Prep Time20mins
Cook Time1hr
Cool Time5hrs
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheesecake, philadelphia cheesecake, philadelphia cheesecake recipe
Ingredients
2cupsgraham cracker crumbs (you can also use store-bought)
½cupunsalted buttermelted
¼cupgranulated sugar
32ozPhiladelphia Cream Cheesesoftened to room
1cupgranulated sugar
1tsppure vanilla extract
4eggsroom temperature
1cupsour cream
¼cupfresh lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to create an even crust.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened Philadelphia Cream Cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar and continue beating until well incorporated.
Add the vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and mix well. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix the batter.
Stir in the sour cream and fresh lemon juice until fully incorporated. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Prepare a water bath by wrapping the bottom and sides of the springform pan with a double layer of aluminum foil. Place the foil-wrapped pan into a larger baking dish or roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
Transfer the entire setup to the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for an hour.
After cooling in the oven, remove the cheesecake from the water bath and carefully peel off the aluminum foil. Let the cheesecake cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set fully.
Once the cheesecake has chilled and set, carefully run a sharp knife around the edges of the springform pan to loosen the cheesecake. Release the sides of the pan, slice the cheesecake, and serve with your choice of toppings such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or caramel sauce. Enjoy!