Philadelphia Cheesecake Crumble Recipe

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This Philadelphia Cheesecake Crumble recipe isn’t just about making any cheesecake; it’s about crafting a dessert that feels personal, whether you’re whipping it up to impress at the next dinner party or simply treating yourself to something sweet at home. Using Philadelphia cream cheese as the star ingredient, the cheesecake filling is incredibly creamy and tangy, perfectly complemented by the buttery crunch of the crumble topping.

How to make Philadelphia Cheesecake Crumble

Philadelphia Cheesecake Crumble is a cheesecake made using Philadelphia Cream Cheese, topped with a buttery crumble (streusel) layer—kind of a mash-up between classic cheesecake and crumb cake.

Ingredients

This Philadelphia Cheesecake Crumble recipe is broken down into three parts: the crust, cheesecake filling, and crumble topping.

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, crushed)
• ¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for a slightly sweeter crust)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 (8 oz) packages Philadelphia cream cheese, softened (16 oz / 454g total)
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120g) sour cream (adds a velvety texture)

For the Crumble Topping:

• ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (50g) rolled oats (optional, for extra texture)
• ⅓ cup (75g) light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds warmth)
• 3 tablespoons (40g) unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Baking Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Grease a 9-inch round springform pan (or line with parchment paper for easier removal).

2. Make the Crust

1. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar (if using). Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, just until the crust sets. Remove and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. Using a handheld mixer or stand mixer, beat the Philadelphia cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until the batter is silky and lump-free.
4. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.

4. Make the Crumble Topping

1. In another bowl, mix the flour, oats (if using), brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Using your hands or a fork, work in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the cheesecake filling.

5. Bake the Cheesecake

1. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet (to catch any potential leaks) and bake in the preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 40-50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly when shaken.
2. Turn off the oven, leave the oven door slightly ajar, and let the cheesecake cool inside for about an hour. This helps prevent cracks on the surface.

6. Chill and Serve

1. Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, cover the pan with cling wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors fully develop.
2. When ready to serve, carefully release the springform pan and slice into portions. Serve as-is, or add fresh fruit, caramel drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch.

Tips for the Perfect Philadelphia Cheesecake Crumble

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: To ensure a smooth filling, make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can result in lumps.
• Don’t Overmix the Filling: Overmixing incorporates too much air into the batter, which can cause the cheesecake to puff up in the oven and crack as it cools. Mix until just combined.
• Prevent Cracks with a Water Bath (Optional): If you want a flawless surface, place your springform pan in a larger pan filled with 1 inch of hot water while baking. This creates steam in the oven, keeping the cheesecake moist.
• Cool Gradually: Sudden temperature changes can also cause cracks. Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven before transferring it to the refrigerator.
• Customize the Crumble Topping: Get creative! Add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips to the crumble for unique variations.
• Make Ahead: Cheesecake tastes better with time! You can easily make this dessert a day or two ahead of a special occasion. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• Use a Hot Knife for Clean Slices: To get neat slices, dip a knife in hot water, wipe it clean, and make your cut. Repeat for each slice.

What to serve with

Philadelphia Cheesecake Crumble is a stellar dessert on its own, thanks to its creamy filling and delicious crumbly topping. However, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience even more.

1. Fresh Fruits

• Seasonal Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries can add a refreshing burst of flavor and color. Serve them fresh or make a simple berry compote.
• Citrus Slices: Orange, lemon, or lime slices can provide a zesty contrast to the rich cheesecake.
• Apple or Pear Slices: Serve them fresh or lightly caramelize them in a skillet with a bit of butter and brown sugar.

2. Sauces

• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds a sweet, buttery note that pairs beautifully with cheesecake.
• Chocolate Ganache: For chocolate lovers, a rich chocolate ganache can make a decadent topping.
• Fruit Coulis: A fruit coulis, such as raspberry or strawberry, adds a vibrant and slightly tart contrast.

Ingredients Substitutes

Don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient for your Philadelphia Cheesecake Crumble or need to make adjustments for dietary restrictions.

1. Substitutes for the Crust

The traditional cheesecake crust is made with graham cracker crumbs, but you can easily switch it up for other ingredients that achieve the same crumbly texture and buttery flavor.

Options:

• Digestive Biscuits: These are almost identical to graham crackers and work perfectly. Simply crush them and mix with melted butter.
• Oreo Cookies: For a rich and chocolatey crust, use crushed Oreo cookies (cream included).
• Shortbread or Butter Cookies: Crushed shortbread cookies add a sweeter, buttery flavor to the crust.
• Gluten-Free Crackers: Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for a celiac-friendly option.
• Almond Flour or Ground Nuts: Create a nutty crust by mixing almond flour or finely ground nuts (like pecans or walnuts) with butter. This is great for low-carb or gluten-free diets.

Butter Substitute for the Crust:

• Coconut Oil: Works as a vegan or dairy-free alternative.
• Margarine: Use a dairy-free margarine for a similar consistency.

2. Substitutes for Philadelphia Cream Cheese

Philadelphia cream cheese is the star ingredient, but if it’s unavailable or you’re catering to special dietary needs, there are excellent substitutes.

Options:

• Generic Cream Cheese: Any brand of cream cheese works, though Philadelphia offers a classic tangy flavor and smooth texture.
• Greek Yogurt + Cream Cheese (50/50 Mix): If you’re short on cream cheese, a half-and-half blend with Greek yogurt provides the creamy texture and a slight tang.
• Mascarpone Cheese: For a less tangy, ultra-creamy cheesecake, mascarpone is a great substitute. It’s softer and richer but produces a slightly different flavor.
• Neufchâtel Cheese: Lower in fat than regular cream cheese, this works well for a lighter cheesecake.
• Vegan Cream Cheese (Dairy-Free Option): Brands like Tofutti, Kite Hill, or Violife offer great substitutes for vegan or lactose-intolerant diets.
• Silken Tofu: Blend silken tofu until smooth to replicate cream cheese for a vegan alternative. Add a little lemon juice for tang.
• Blended Cottage Cheese: For protein-packed cheesecakes, blend cottage cheese with a splash of milk until smooth.

3. Substitutes for Sour Cream

Sour cream adds richness and tanginess to the cheesecake filling. If you don’t have it, here are alternatives:

Options:

• Greek Yogurt: A 1:1 substitute for sour cream. Use full-fat for the best results to mimic the richness.
• Plain Yogurt: Works well, though it may be slightly thinner than sour cream.
• Crème Fraîche: Nearly identical in taste and texture, crème fraîche is a perfect swap for sour cream.
• Buttermilk (Slightly Thicker): Adds tanginess, but since it’s thinner, reduce slightly or combine it with Greek yogurt.
• Coconut Yogurt (Dairy-Free Option): For a vegan or dairy-free cheesecake, unsweetened coconut yogurt is an excellent choice.

4. Substitutes for Granulated Sugar

If you’re looking for alternatives to regular granulated sugar, whether for health or flavor reasons, here are some adequate substitutes:

Options:

• Brown Sugar: Adds a slight caramel flavor and works great in both the filling and crumble topping.
• Powdered Sugar: You can swap powdered sugar (icing sugar) for granulated, but reduce the amount to avoid over-sweetening.
• Coconut Sugar: A natural sweetener with a rich, molasses-like flavor.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Use ¾ cup of honey or maple syrup for every cup of sugar. (Keep in mind, this may slightly soften the texture of the cheesecake.)
• Stevia, Monk Fruit, or Erythritol (Low-Calorie Options): For a sugar-free cheesecake, use these sweeteners. Look for substitutions on the packaging, as sweetness levels vary by brand.

Final Thoughts

Making a Philadelphia Cheesecake Crumble at home is a labor of love, but the result is so worth it—a creamy cheesecake base that meets the buttery, crumbly topping in every bite. 

More Cheesecake Recipes:

• Viral Biscoff Cheesecake Recipe