Classic Philadelphia Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a timeless dessert that brings joy to any occasion. This Classic Philadelphia Cheesecake is rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or a sweet treat just for yourself. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

• Graham Cracker Crust:
  • 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
• Cheesecake Filling:
  • 4 packages (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 eggs

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Heat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Make the Crust:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and melted butter or margarine.
   • Mix until well combined.
3. Press the Crust:
   • Press the mixture firmly onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust layer.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

4. Beat the Cream Cheese:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Add the Eggs:
   • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Be careful not to overmix to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks in the cheesecake.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

6. Pour the Filling:
   • Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan.
7. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes or until the center is almost set (it will still jiggle slightly when shaken).

Step 4: Cool and Refrigerate

8. Cool the Cheesecake:
   • Remove the cheesecake from the oven and run a knife around the rim of the pan to loosen the cake.
   • Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature before removing the rim of the pan.
9. Refrigerate:
   • Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to let it set and chill thoroughly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Classic Philadelphia Cheesecake as is, or top it with fresh berries, a fruit compote, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra special touch. Each bite is sure to be a creamy delight that will impress your family and friends.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 450 kcal per serving
• Servings: 8 servings

Total Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours and 75 minutes (including cooling and refrigeration time)

Enjoy your delicious homemade Classic Philadelphia Cheesecake! It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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