Philadelphia Cheesecake Recipe

As a seasoned home cook, I’ve tried countless cheesecake recipes over the years, but a Philadelphia Cheesecake recipe always stands out as a true classic.

With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and perfect balance of sweetness and tang, this dessert is a surefire hit for any occasion. Today, I’ll share my go-to recipe and some insider tips to help you make the perfect Philadelphia Cheesecake every time.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

The rich and creamy texture. The Philadelphia cream cheese used in this recipe provides a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture, making each bite of the cheesecake absolutely delightful.

The graham cracker crust. Nothing is better than a classic graham cracker crust, the sweet taste and crumbly texture go perfectly with the creamy texture of the filling. 

A perfect balance of flavors. The combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet graham cracker crust, and a hint of lemon juice creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is both satisfying and indulgent.

Its versatility. This recipe serves as a great base for a variety of toppings, including fresh fruits, caramel sauce, chocolate chips, or whipped cream, allowing you to customize the cheesecake to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The key to a perfect cheesecake lies in the quality and balance of its ingredients. Here’s a list of the main ingredients and the role they play in the recipe:

Philadelphia Cream Cheese. The star of the show, Philadelphia Cream Cheese imparts that signature rich and creamy texture to the cheesecake. It’s important to use full-fat cream cheese to achieve the best results.

Sugar. Adds sweetness and balances the tangy flavor of the cream cheese.

Eggs. Provide structure and stability to the cheesecake while also adding a bit of richness.

Sour Cream. Adds a tangy, smooth creaminess and helps to balance the sweetness of the cheesecake.

Pure Vanilla Extract. Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake and adds a subtle depth.

Lemon Juice. Gives the cheesecake a refreshing, tangy brightness.

Graham Crackers. Creates the delicious, crunchy crust that forms the base of the cheesecake.

Melted Butter. Binds the graham cracker crumbs together to form a cohesive crust.

How to Make Philadelphia Cheesecake

Prep time: 20 min.

Cook time: 60 min.

Cool time: 5 hours (1 hour in oven, 4 hours in fridge)

Total time: 6 hours and 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (you can also use store-bought)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 (8 oz) packages Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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!

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to create the most delicious Philadelphia Cheesecake:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth, lump-free batter and even cooking.

Don’t Over Mix

Over-mixing the batter can incorporate too much air, causing the cheesecake to crack during baking. Mix until just combined for the best texture.

Use a Water Bath

To prevent cracks and ensure even cooking, bake your cheesecake in a water bath by wrapping the springform pan in aluminum foil and placing it in a larger pan with hot water.

Cool Gradually

Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually by turning off the oven and cracking the door open for an hour before transferring it to the refrigerator.

Substitutions and Variations

While the classic Philadelphia Cheesecake recipe is always a hit, you might want to experiment with some substitutions and variations to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Swap the crust. Instead of graham crackers, try using other cookies like Oreos, Biscoff, or shortbread for a different crust flavor.

Swap the cream cheese. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which has a similar texture and taste but with less fat content.

Switch up your sweetener. Substitute regular sugar with alternatives like coconut sugar, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a lower-sugar cheesecake.

Get creative with toppings. The sky’s the limit when it comes to cheesecake toppings. Add fresh fruit, fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries), or drizzle caramel sauce, chocolate chips, or even cherry pie filling over the cheesecake for a delightful twist.

Below are a few additional (and out-of-the-box) toppings we recommend:

• Strawberry pie filling
• Blueberry pie filling
• Shaved chocolate
• Cool Whip or heavy whipping cream

Storing Leftover Cheesecake

If you have any leftovers, store your cheesecake properly to maintain its flavor and texture.

1. Refrigerator: Wrap the cheesecake in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.
2. Freezer: To freeze leftover cheesecake, first allow it to cool completely in the refrigerator. Then, wrap individual slices or the entire cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic freezer bag. Properly stored, the cheesecake can be frozen for up to three months. To serve, thaw the cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours at room temperature.

Philadelphia Cheesecake Recipe FAQs

What is the difference between New York cheesecake and Philadelphia cheesecake?

New York cheesecake is known for its dense and creamy texture, often incorporating sour cream in the recipe, while Philadelphia cheesecake is lighter and fluffier due to the use of Philadelphia cream cheese.

Is Philadelphia cream cheese good for baking?

Yes, Philadelphia cream cheese is excellent for baking, as it provides a smooth and creamy texture to various baked goods, including cheesecakes.

What is the difference between baked cheesecake and continental cheesecake?

Baked cheesecake is cooked in the oven and typically has a dense, creamy texture. Continental cheesecake, also known as no-bake cheesecake, is not baked and has a lighter, mousse-like consistency.

Can you use a different brand of cream cheese?

Yes, you can use a different brand of cream cheese in the recipe. However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly depending on the brand you choose.

Do you need to use a water bath? 

Using a water bath when baking a cheesecake is not mandatory but is recommended, as it helps to evenly distribute heat, prevent the top from cracking, and maintain a creamy texture.

Can you make this cheesecake no-bake?

Yes, you can make a no-bake version of this cheesecake. The main difference between a baked and a no-bake cheesecake lies in the preparation method and texture.

To adjust a baked cheesecake recipe to a no-bake version, you’ll need to make some changes to the ingredients and preparation method. Here’s a general guideline on how to convert a baked cheesecake recipe into a no-bake one:

1. Omit eggs: Since no-bake cheesecakes are not baked, eggs are not necessary for the recipe. Remove eggs from the ingredient list.
2. Add a setting agent: To help the no-bake cheesecake set properly, you’ll need to use a setting agent like gelatin, agar-agar (for a vegetarian option), or whipped cream. For gelatin or agar-agar, dissolve the appropriate amount in warm water (follow package instructions) and mix it into the cream cheese mixture.
3. Adjust sugar: Depending on your preference, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar, as no-bake cheesecakes can sometimes be sweeter than baked ones. Taste the filling and adjust accordingly.
4. Modify crust: The crust for no-bake cheesecakes is typically made from crushed cookies (like graham crackers) combined with melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan or a pie dish, and refrigerate until firm.
5. Prepare the filling: Combine the cream cheese, sugar, setting agent, and any flavorings (like vanilla extract or lemon zest) in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy. If you’re using whipped cream as a setting agent, fold it into the cream cheese mixture gently.
6. Assemble the cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the chilled crust, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set properly.

More Delicious Dseserts

Cream Cheese pie

Keebler Cheesecake Recipe

Million Dollar Pie

Crack Jolly Ranch Candied Grapes

Peanut Butter Balls

Have questions or suggestions about this Philadelphia cheesecake recipe? Leave them in the comments below.