Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

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This Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the one dessert guaranteed to impress family and friends at every gathering, and it brings back sweet memories of Sunday brunches and special celebrations. With Philadelphia Cream Cheese, making the perfect cheesecake is easier than you think, and the results are always top-notch.

How to make Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake

Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake is a classic baked cheesecake made with Philadelphia Cream Cheese, topped with sweet strawberry sauce or fresh strawberries. It’s known for its ultra-smooth, rich texture and balanced sweet-tangy flavor.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 (8-ounce) packs of Philadelphia Cream Cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (halved or sliced)
• ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan or line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the springform pan, using the back of a spoon or your hands to firmly compact it.
4. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened Philadelphia Cream Cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes). Use an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as it can create air bubbles in the batter.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract and, if desired, sour cream for extra creaminess. The batter should be smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake

1. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
2. Bake the cheesecake for approximately 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
3. Once baked, turn off the oven, crack open the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour. This will help prevent cracks.
4. Afterward, remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool completely at room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Topping

1. In a small saucepan, combine the strawberry jam or preserves with water and heat over medium heat until smooth and slightly thickened. If using cornstarch for a thicker topping, mix it with 1 tablespoon of water before adding it to the saucepan.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly before stirring in the fresh strawberry slices.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, carefully remove it from the springform pan.
2. Spoon the strawberry topping over the cheesecake, spreading it evenly to cover the top.
3. Decorate with extra strawberry slices if desired. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake

• Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Make sure your Philadelphia Cream Cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing incorporates too much air into the batter, which can cause the cheesecake to rise unevenly and crack during baking. Mix just until combined.
• Prevent Cracks: Cool the cheesecake gradually (by leaving it in the oven with the door cracked open) and avoid opening the oven door during baking. Cracks don’t affect taste, but proper cooling helps maintain an even top.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, opt for ripe, fresh strawberries for the topping. You can also experiment with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries!
• Springform Pan is Key: A springform pan makes it easy to remove the cheesecake without damaging it. For extra protection, wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil if using a water bath.
• Refrigerate Overnight: Cheesecake tastes better the longer it chills. Leaving it overnight enhances the flavor and texture.

What to serve with

Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake is heavenly on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments elevates the overall experience.

• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy topping to complement the density of the cheesecake.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted semisweet or dark chocolate adds richness and indulgence to each slice.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle crushed almonds, walnuts, or pistachios on top for a crunchy element.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Place fresh mint leaves alongside the strawberries for a pop of color and a refreshing taste.
• Mixed Berries: In addition to strawberries, serve fresh raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a burst of flavor and vibrant presentation.
• Powdered Sugar: Dust a light layer of powdered sugar over the cheesecake for a pretty finishing touch.

Ingredient Substitutes

Making a classic Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake is a joy, but you may occasionally find yourself needing to substitute ingredients due to dietary restrictions, taste preferences, or simply running out of something.

1. Cream Cheese

The star of Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake is Philadelphia Cream Cheese, but there are alternatives if you don’t have it on hand or need a substitute:

• Other Cream Cheese Brands: Any full-fat cream cheese from other brands will work just as well. Aim for one that’s smooth, tangy, and creamy.
• Mascarpone Cheese: This Italian cheese is slightly sweeter and softer than cream cheese but works wonderfully as a substitution. You might want to slightly reduce the sugar in the recipe since mascarpone isn’t as tangy.
• Neufchâtel Cheese: A lower-fat alternative that’s softer and milder in flavor. It’s a great option for those looking to reduce the fat content, though the texture of the cheesecake may be slightly less firm.
• Vegan Cream Cheese (for dairy-free/vegan options): Use a plant-based cream cheese like Kite Hill, Violife, or Tofutti. These are made from alternatives like almond or cashew milk and mimic cream cheese’s texture and flavor.

2. Graham Cracker Crust

If you don’t have graham crackers or prefer a different base, here are some great substitutes:

• Digestive Biscuits (common in the UK): These offer a similar texture and slight sweetness, making them ideal for the crust.
• Vanilla Wafer Cookies: Crushed vanilla wafers add a soft vanilla flavor to the crust, pairing beautifully with strawberries.
• Oreo Crust: For a chocolatey twist, crush Oreo cookies (with the filling) and mix with melted butter for a rich, chocolate crust.
• Gluten-Free Crackers/Cookies: For a gluten-free crust, use gluten-free graham crackers, almond flour crackers, or gluten-free cookies.
• Almond Flour Crust (low-carb option): Mix almond flour with melted butter and a touch of sweetener to create a keto-friendly crust alternative.

3. Granulated Sugar

If you need a sugar substitute, consider the following options, depending on your needs:

• Powdered Sugar: Use powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar) if you’re out of granulated sugar. Just be cautious with the quantity, as it’s finer and sweeter.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a slightly molasses-like flavor and deeper sweetness, which can complement the tartness of the cheesecake.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners can replace granulated sugar in both the crust and filling. Use slightly less, as they are sweeter and liquid-based. Adjust the overall amount of wet ingredients in the recipe accordingly.
• Coconut Sugar: A natural, unrefined sugar that provides a subtle caramel flavor and is suitable for those avoiding refined sugars.
• Sugar-Free Sweeteners (low-calorie/low-carb option): Use stevia, erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or a blend like Swerve for a sugar-free cheesecake. Aim for sweeteners designed for baking to maintain texture.

4. Eggs

Eggs provide structure and richness to cheesecake, but they can be replaced if you’re making an egg-free or vegan cheesecake:

• Cream Cheese-Focused No-Bake Cheesecake: Instead of baking, skip eggs entirely and simply make a no-bake cheesecake using gelatin or agar-agar as a binder.
• Yogurt or Sour Cream: For a creamy texture without eggs, use about ¼ cup of full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream per egg.
• Flaxseed Meal (vegan option): Combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken, then add to the batter.
• Silken Tofu (vegan option): Blend ¼ cup silken tofu per egg for a protein-rich, creamy, and neutral-flavored substitute.

Final Thoughts

The decadence of Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake makes it the centerpiece of your dessert spread. However, the sides, sauces, and beverages you pair it with can elevate the overall experience, making every bite feel extra special.

More Cheesecake Recipes:

• Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cheesecake Recipe
• Philadelphia Cheesecake Crumble Recipe
• Viral Biscoff Cheesecake Recipe