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    Home » Recipes » Dessert Recipes

    Classic Philadelphia Cheesecake Recipe

    Published: Mar 31, 2023 by Erin · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Pinterest pin that says "philadelphia cheesecake" and shows slice of cheesecake with a fork going into it.

    This classic Philadelphia Cheesecake recipe is made with lots of cream cheese and doesn't have any fillers like sour cream or heavy cream. The buttery graham cracker crust perfectly complements the rich, creamy filling, making this the ultimate treat for any dessert lover.

    Slice of classic philadelphia cheesecake with graham cracker crust, topped with cherry pie filling that is dripping down side of cheesecake.
    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • What's the Difference Between Philadelphia and New York Cheesecake
    • Why is Philadelphia Cream Cheese so good?
    • Key Ingredients
    • How to Make Philadelphia Cheesecake
    • Is it Important to Use a Water Bath?
    • Expert Tips
    • Topping Ideas
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Cheesecake Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    Delicious and Creamy: Made with four packages of cream cheese, this recipe produces a rich and creamy cheesecake that is slightly tangy and perfectly sweet. It is a classic cheesecake made with simple ingredients and doesn't have sour cream, heavy cream, or other mix-ins.

    Perfect for special occasions: Cheesecake is a delicious dessert that is often reserved for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. This recipe is perfect for those occasions when you want to impress your guests with a decadent dessert.

    Versatile: I love this traditional cheesecake by itself, but it is also easy to customize with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce. If you are serving this recipe to a group you can even have several toppings for them to customize to their liking!

    If you are looking for a no-bake recipe, try this No-Bake Vanilla Cheesecake, made with cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and lots of vanilla! It's the perfect summer dessert!

    What's the Difference Between Philadelphia and New York Cheesecake

    Compared to New York cheesecake, Philadelphia cheesecake has a simpler flavor and preparation, with a smooth, dense texture. New York cheesecake filling usually has sour cream or heavy cream. This makes it creamier with a slightly tangier taste. Despite their differences, both types are delicious in their own right.

    Despite popular belief, Philadelphia Cheesecake is not named after the city of Philadelphia. It actually gets its name because it is made with Philadelphia brand cream cheese as the main ingredient, and does not have fillers mixed in.

    Interestingly, Philadelphia cream cheese is not even made in Philadelphia! It is produced in Lowville, New York. So does that make both styles a New York cheesecake?

    Why is Philadelphia Cream Cheese so good?

    I prefer using Philadelphia cream cheese for its well-balanced tangy and creamy flavor, as well as its smooth texture that is easy to mix and blend with other ingredients. Additionally, Philadelphia cream cheese is widely available in grocery stores so it's accessible to most home cooks.

    Some brands of cream cheese have more moisture in them, which can impact how well the filling sets up. So if you do choose to use a different brand, make sure that it has a similar moisture content to Philadelphia.

    Note that this is not a sponsored post and the Philadelphia brand has not asked me to say these things. This is just one of those products where I do believe the brand makes a difference.

    Key Ingredients

    Overhead of labeled cheesecake ingredients.

    See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full list of ingredients, including measurements.

    • Graham Cracker Crumbs: I like to save time and purchase graham cracker crumbs, but you can make your own by crushing full sheets of graham crackers using a rolling pin or food processor. If you don't have graham crackers on hand, substitute digestive biscuits, shortbread biscuits, or vanilla wafer cookies.
    • Philadelphia Cream Cheese: Gives the cheesecake its rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor. Leave the cream cheese out on the counter for 30-60 minutes before making the filling.
    • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling. Caster sugar is an equal substitution.
    • Eggs: Provide structure and help the filling set. They should be at room temperature.
    • Vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the filling. Because there are so few ingredients in this recipe, each one has a big impact, so use a high-quality pure vanilla extract.
    • Lemon Juice: The acidity of the lemon juice helps build structure. I recommend freshly squeezed lemon juice.

    How to Make Philadelphia Cheesecake

    1) Prepare the crust:

    • Combine graham crumbs with the sugar and melted butter.
    • Use a measuring cup or flat-bottomed glass to press the crust evenly into the bottom of a springform pan.
    • Pre-baking the crust for a few minutes helps to set it and prevent it from becoming soggy when the filling is added later.
    Two images showing mixing the graham cracker crust and pressing it into a springform pan using a glass.

    2) Prepare the filling

    • Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure that they blend together smoothly and evenly. Cold cream cheese and eggs may result in lumps in the filling.
    • Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and sugar together using medium speed in a large mixing bowl.
    • Blend until they are completely smooth.
    • Mix the eggs on low speed.
    4 images showing the steps of making cheesecake filling in a large mixing bowl.

    3) Bake

    • Use a water bath to help the cheesecake bake evenly and reduce the chances of it cracking.
    • Do not overbake the cheesecake. Overbaking can cause it to become dry and will also make it crack. It is done when the center is slightly jiggly but set around the edges.
    • Turn the oven off and let the cheesecake cool for 30-60 minutes in the oven before removing it.
    • Chill it for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator before serving.
    Two images showing a springform pan with uncooked filling on the left, and cooked cheesecake on right.

    Is it Important to Use a Water Bath?

    Using a water bath when baking a cheesecake is optional, but it can help prevent it from cracking and can ensure that it bakes evenly. Here are some reasons why a water bath can be beneficial:

    Even baking: A water bath helps to distribute the heat evenly around the cheesecake, which can help it bake more evenly and prevent it from overcooking or undercooking in certain areas.

    Moisture: The steam generated by the water bath can help keep the cheesecake moist and prevent it from drying out or cracking.

    Smooth surface: By keeping the cheesecake at a consistent temperature, a water bath can help prevent the surface from cracking or developing air pockets.

    A water bath is simple to do. Just wrap the springform pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Make sure that there are no cracks or seams in the bottom 2 inches of the pan.

    Place a large roasting pan on a rack in the lower ⅔ of your oven. Then place the filled springform pan inside the roasting pan. Carefully pour boiling water into the roasting pan, filling it 1 inch deep.

    Overhead of philadelphia cheesecake, topping with cherry pie filling, and a slice is missing.

    Expert Tips

    • Make sure the butter is melted and cooled slightly before adding it to the crumbs. If the butter is too hot, it may cause the crust to be too greasy.
    • Use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs as this will help the filling blend smoothly and completely.
    • Mix the eggs in on low speed and do not overbeat the mixture once the eggs are added. If you introduce too much air at this point it can cause the cheesecake to crack or become too dense.
    • Letting the cheesecake cool slowly will help reduce cracks. Once it is done cooking, turn the oven off and open the door. Let it cool for an hour. Then remove to the counter for an hour to continue cooling. Finally, refrigerate for at least an hour.
    • For clean cheesecake slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wiping it off after each dip. The heat from the water will help cut through the filling smoothly.

    Topping Ideas

    • Pie Filling: There's nothing more classic than cherry pie filling as a topping for cheesecake. I love homemade strawberry pie filling too!
    • Fresh fruit: Top with fresh berries, sliced peaches, or other seasonal fruits for a bright and flavorful contrast to the rich, creamy cheesecake.
    • Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over the top for a decadent and indulgent finish.
    • Caramel Sauce: Caramel is great on fancy cheesecakes like this Caramel Apple Crisp, but it is perfect for a classic cheesecake too!
    • Candy: Add a crunchy topping, like chopped Heath bars or M&Ms. For a festive Easter cheesecake you can even use chopped Mini Eggs!
    • Whipped Cream: Dollop fresh whipped cream or a little Cool Whip and garnish with shaved chocolate or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

    Experiment with different topping combinations to find your favorite, and don't be afraid to get creative!

    Slice of cheesecake with sauce dripping, facing towards the camera with form marks showing on tip and bite of cheesecake on fork resting against plate.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I make Philadelphia Cheesecake in advance?

    Yes, you can make the cheesecake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator several days before serving. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the back corner of your refrigerator, where it is coldest. You can learn more about cheesecake storage in this post on how long cheesecake lasts.

    Can I freeze the cheesecake?

    Yes, cheesecake can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the cooled cheesecake (whole or slices) tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw the cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

    Can I substitute low-fat cream cheese for regular cream cheese?

    I do not recommend using low-fat cream cheese as it has more moisture and will not set properly.

    How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

    Give the pan a gentle shake. The outside should be firm with the inside slightly jiggly. You can also insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the cheesecake. It is done when the center reaches 150°F (65°C).

    More Cheesecake Recipes

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    Let me know how you like this recipe by leaving a review! And follow along on Instagram @stateofdinner for behind-the-scenes and to be among the first to know when new recipes post!

    Recipe

    Classic cheesecake slice on a plate with cherry pie filling on top, bowl of cherries and whole cheesecake in background.

    Philadelphia Cheesecake

    Recipe by: Erin
    This timeless recipe for Philadelphia Cheesecake features an abundance of cream cheese and omits any fillers such as sour cream or heavy cream. The velvety filling pairs impeccably with the buttery graham cracker crust, making it a dreamy dessert for all cheesecake fans.
    5 from 44 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
    Chilling Time 3 hours hrs
    Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 693 kcal

    Equipment

    • springform pan

    Ingredients
      

    Crust

    • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs 180 grams, about 12 full sheets of graham crackers
    • ⅓ cup granulated sugar 66 grams
    • 6 tablespoons salted butter melted, 85 grams

    Filling

    • 4 packages Philadelphia cream cheese
    • 1 cup granulated sugar 200 grams
    • 3 eggs room temperature
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. The mixture should look like fine sand.
      1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons salted butter
    • Transfer the crumbs to a 9-inch springform pan and press them into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 7-8 minutes. Then remove from the oven and allow to cool while preparing the filling.
    • Reduce the oven to 325°F (165°C).
    • Place the cream cheese and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat at medium speed using an electric stand or hand mixture until creamy, about 2 minutes.
      4 packages Philadelphia cream cheese, 1 cup granulated sugar
    • Add the eggs one at a time, using low speed and scraping the bowl between each addition. Keep the mixer on low at this point and do not overbeat.
      3 eggs
    • Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon juice on low speed.
      2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons lemon juice
    • Spread the cream cheese mixture smoothly over the graham cracker crust. See the recipe notes section if you want to use a water bath. Bake the cheesecake for 70-85 minutes, or until the center is set.
    • Turn the oven off and open the oven door. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour, without disturbing it. Remove it from the oven and cool for an additional hour at room temperature. Then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
    • Top with your favorite fruit, pie filling, chocolate, or caramel sauce, if desired.

    Notes

    Water Bath: Wrap the springform pan tightly with two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Be sure there are no cracks or seams in the bottom 2 inches of the pan.
    Place a large roasting pan on a rack in the lower ⅔ of your oven. Then place the filled springform pan inside the roasting pan. Carefully pour boiling water into the roasting pan, filling it 1 inch deep.
    Storage: Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 693kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 198mg | Sodium: 550mg | Potassium: 206mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 1869IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 1mg
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    Welcome! I'm Erin: Wife, mom, lover of great food, and former food safety administrator. I am passionate about cooking mostly from scratch recipes that bring comfort, without spending all day in the kitchen. Most recipes on this site can be made in under 30 minutes! This approach to cooking allows me to provide delicious meals for my family while freeing up time to spend with those I love.

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