Is there anyone who doesn’t like cheesecake? As much as I pick up cheesecake and place it in my basket at least every other time I pass by the dessert corner at the grocery store, I really love cheesecake! However, I couldn’t understand why I had never tried baking it myself at home, so I finally decided to give making cheesecake a try. There are various types of cheesecake, but the most classic one is the Philadelphia Cheesecake! It can’t go wrong! Since it has that classic taste, the choice of toppings is equally free, making it a more delicious and enjoyable recipe.
How To Make Philadelphia Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85g) butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 4 (8 ounces each) packages (907g) of Philadelphia cream cheese
- 200g sugar
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
For the Toppings:
- Your choice!
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the crust:
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan, creating an even layer that covers the bottom.
Place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
3. Prepare the filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the Philadelphia cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Note: Ensure that you don’t overmix the batter, as doing so can result in the incorporation of too much air. Once baked, the air bubbles will burst, potentially causing the cheesecake to sink and crack.
Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon juice, ensuring all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
Take the prepared crust from the refrigerator and pour the cream cheese filling over it.
4. Bake the cheesecake:
Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips and bake the cheesecake for 55 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
5. Cooling and chilling:
Once the cheesecake is done baking, turn off the oven and crack the oven door open slightly. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for about an hour.
Afterward, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
Once the cheesecake has cooled, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set.
6. Add toppings:
Prior to serving, you can add your choice of toppings to the cheesecake. This could include fruit compote, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or any other favorite toppings you desire.
7. Serve and enjoy:
Gently remove the sides of the springform pan before serving and slice the cheesecake into desired portions and serve it up!
Equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to Philadelphia-style cheesecake, it’s important to note that this label often refers to a version associated with the cream cheese brand. In contrast, the New York style incorporates ingredients like sour cream or heavy cram for its distinctive richness. Interestingly, the term “Philadelphia style” doesn’t actually correlate with the city itself.
Absolutely, you can opt to use Philadelphia cream cheese as a substitute for mascarpone in many cheesecake recipes. While there might be subtle variations in taste and texture, it’s a viable alternative that can work effectively.
To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the batter, bake at a lower temperature in a water bath, and cool the cheesecake gradually by turning off the oven and letting it cool inside.
To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the batter, bake at a lower temperature in a water bath, and cool the cheesecake gradually by turning off the oven and letting it cool inside.
Yes, cheesecakes can be frozen. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator for best results.
Typically, if stored appropriately, a cheesecake should maintain its freshness for around 5 to 7 days within the refrigerator.
Philadelphia Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 6 tbsp (85g) butter melted
For the Filling
- 4 (8 ounce each) packages (907g) Philadelphia cream cheese
- 200 g sugar
- 4 eggs room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp lemon juice
For the Toppings
- Your choice!
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
Prepare the crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan, creating an even layer that covers the bottom.Place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the Philadelphia cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.Note: Ensure that you don't overmix the batter, as doing so can result in the incorporation of too much air. Once baked, the air bubbles will burst, potentially causing the cheesecake to sink and crack.Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon juice, ensuring all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.Take the prepared crust from the refrigerator and pour the cream cheese filling over it.
Bake the cheesecake:
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips and bake the cheesecake for 55 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Cooling and chilling:
- Once the cheesecake is done baking, turn off the oven and crack the oven door open slightly. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for about an hour.Afterward, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.Once the cheesecake has cooled, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set.
Add toppings:
- Prior to serving, you can add your choice of toppings to the cheesecake. This could include fruit compote, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or any other favorite toppings you desire.
Serve and enjoy:
- Gently remove the sides of the springform pan before serving and slice the cheesecake into desired portions and serve it up!
