Decadent Philadelphia Style Cheesecake
Indulge your taste buds with this Decadent Philadelphia Style Cheesecake. This creamy and rich cheesecake, made with Philadelphia Cream Cheese, features a buttery graham cracker crust that perfectly complements the smooth filling. Ideal for special occasions or a sweet treat at home, this cheesecake can be topped with your favorite pie fillings or sundae sauces to elevate its presentation. Serve it chilled for the best experience, and enjoy every slice of this dessert classic!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham cracker crumbs
1 cup (Crushed)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (For crust)
Margarine
3 tablespoons (Melted)
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
3 (8 ounce) packages (Softened)
White sugar
3/4 cup (For filling)
Eggs
3 large (Room temperature)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Pure)
Pie filling or sundae sauce
To taste (Optional, for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C).
2
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and melted margarine. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust.
3
Place the crust in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Once done, remove it from the oven and raise the temperature to 450°F (232°C).
4
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the softened Philadelphia Cream Cheese and 3/4 cup of white sugar. Beat at medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Finally, add in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
6
Pour the creamy filling into the baked crust, smoothing it with a spatula.
7
Bake the cheesecake for 10 minutes at 450°F, then reduce the temperature to 250°F (121°C) and continue baking for an additional 25 to 30 minutes or until the center is set and slightly jiggles.
8
Once baked, carefully loosen the cheesecake from the rim of the springform pan. Allow it to cool to room temperature before removing the rim.
9
Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Just before serving, top individual slices with your choice of pie filling or sundae sauce if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Philadelphia Style Cheesecake?
It is a creamy and rich dessert made with Philadelphia Cream Cheese and a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for special occasions.
How many packages of cream cheese are needed?
The recipe requires 3 packages of Philadelphia Cream Cheese, each being 8 ounces.
What type of crust does this cheesecake have?
This cheesecake features a graham cracker crust made with crumbs, sugar, and melted margarine.
What is the preheat temperature for the oven when baking the crust?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (162°C) for the crust preparation.
How long should I bake the graham cracker crust?
The crust should be baked for 10 minutes at 325°F before adding the filling.
What size springform pan is required?
A 9-inch springform pan is recommended for this recipe.
Should the cream cheese be softened before mixing?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
How many eggs are used in the filling?
The recipe uses 3 large eggs, added one at a time.
What is the recommended temperature for the eggs?
The eggs should be at room temperature for the best results.
What speed should I use on my electric mixer for the filling?
Beat the cream cheese and sugar at medium speed until smooth.
What is the initial baking temperature for the filling?
The filling is initially baked at 450°F (232°C) for the first 10 minutes.
To what temperature do I reduce the oven after the initial bake?
After the initial 10 minutes, reduce the temperature to 250°F (121°C).
How long does the cheesecake bake at the lower temperature?
It should bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes at 250°F.
How do I know when the cheesecake is finished baking?
The cheesecake is done when the center is set but still slightly jiggles.
When should I loosen the cheesecake from the springform pan?
Carefully loosen the cheesecake from the rim immediately after baking, but wait until it cools to room temperature to remove the rim.
How long does the cheesecake need to chill?
Chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, though overnight is preferable.
What are some recommended toppings for this cheesecake?
You can top individual slices with your choice of pie filling or sundae sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 10 servings.
What kind of sugar is used for the crust?
Three tablespoons of regular sugar are mixed with the crumbs for the crust.
How much white sugar is needed for the filling?
The filling requires 3/4 cup of white sugar.
Can I use butter instead of margarine for the crust?
While the recipe specifies margarine, melted butter is often a suitable substitute for graham cracker crusts.
Is vanilla extract included in the filling?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract is added after the eggs.
What preparation is needed for the graham crackers?
The graham crackers should be crushed into fine crumbs.
Should I add all the eggs at once?
No, you should add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
How should I smooth the filling in the pan?
Use a spatula to smooth the creamy filling once it is poured into the baked crust.
Is this cheesecake served warm or cold?
For the best experience, this cheesecake should be served chilled.
Does the recipe include any optional ingredients?
Yes, pie filling or sundae sauce can be used as optional toppings to taste.
What is the texture of the finished cheesecake?
The cheesecake is described as decadent, creamy, and rich.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home bakers.
Can I use this recipe for holiday treats?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a holiday treat and an ideal dessert for special occasions.