Looking for the perfect Philadelphia cheesecake recipe? This simple and delicious dessert is a crowd-pleaser and ideal for any occasion. Made with creamy Philadelphia cream cheese, this cheesecake boasts a smooth, rich texture with a buttery graham cracker crust. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a classic cheesecake that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons sugar (for the crust)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 4 packages (8 oz. each) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar (for the filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures the cheesecake bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden top.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and ¼ cup melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Make sure it is evenly spread to create a solid base for your cheesecake.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened Philadelphia cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for the best results. Once the mixture is well-blended, add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition. Be careful not to overmix; stop once the eggs are incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly. Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 55 minutes or until the center is almost set. To check, give the pan a gentle shake—the center should have a slight jiggle but not be runny.
Step 5: Cool and Refrigerate
Once baked, run a knife around the rim of the pan to loosen the cheesecake from the sides. Let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan before removing the rim. After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the cheesecake to firm up and enhances its flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Philadelphia Cheesecake
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow the cream cheese and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother, lump-free batter.
- Avoid overmixing: Overmixing can cause too much air to be incorporated into the batter, leading to cracks in your cheesecake.
- Let it cool slowly: Rapid cooling can cause cracks, so it’s best to let the cheesecake cool gradually in the pan.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once your cheesecake has chilled and set, it’s ready to serve. You can enjoy it as is or top it with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream.
This Philadelphia cheesecake recipe is a must-try for cheesecake lovers. With its buttery graham cracker crust and creamy filling, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this classic dessert is sure to impress!
Don’t forget to refrigerate any leftovers—they taste even better the next day!
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