Description
Homemade classic Philadelphia cheesecake delivers creamy richness with smooth cream cheese and graham cracker crust. Rich dessert promises sweet satisfaction that delights dessert enthusiasts searching for authentic American baking tradition.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 packages (8 oz/226 g) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ⅓ cups (245 g) sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup (75 g) melted butter or margarine
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Blend graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until the mixture achieves a sandy, cohesive texture. Press firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan, creating a uniform base.
- Cream Cheese Blending: Utilize an electric mixer to whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually introducing sugar and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps.
- Egg Integration: Gently fold eggs into the cream cheese mixture, incorporating them one at a time with minimal stirring to maintain a delicate consistency and prevent potential surface cracking.
- Baking Setup: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 325°F (163°C). Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Precision Baking: Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 55 minutes. Look for a center that’s nearly set but still exhibits a subtle wobble when gently nudged.
- Cooling Process: Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, which helps stabilize its structure and prevent unexpected surface fractures.
- Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate the cooled cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to enhance flavor development and achieve an optimal, creamy texture before serving.
Notes
- Prevent Crust Crumbling: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a compact, stable base that holds together when slicing.
- Avoid Overmixing Batter: Mix eggs gently and minimally to maintain a smooth, crack-free cheesecake surface and prevent a dense, tough texture.
- Master Baking Temperature: Use center oven rack and maintain consistent 325°F to ensure even, gentle heat distribution for perfect, creamy consistency.
- Chill for Optimal Texture: Refrigerate cheesecake for at least 4 hours to allow complete setting, flavor melding, and achieve that signature silky-smooth mouthfeel.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg