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Philadelphia strawberry cheesecake is a classic dessert that tastes like summer and has been enjoyed for generations. Made with creamy Philadelphia cream cheese and fresh strawberries, it is a favorite among cheesecake lovers.
The Philadelphia cheesecake filling is so simple to make and tastes amazing. Try topping it off with my delicious strawberry topping, or try this homemade strawberry jam! Serve it as is, or drizzle it with caramel and chocolate sauce, or better yet, both! No matter the toppings you add, we have a feeling you are going to love this easy Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake recipe!
Why We Love This Recipe
Strawberry cheesecake is a staple no matter the season, and this recipe is probably one of the easiest desserts you will ever make! It takes great, looks great, and will leave you craving more! Here are a few of the reasons to love this recipe:
- It’s creamy and delicious! Made with creamy Philadelphia cream cheese, this cheesecake is rich and indulgent, making it the perfect dessert for special occasions or just a sweet treat. The fresh strawberries also give this cheesecake a burst of fruity flavor that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake filling.
- It is so easy to make. With only a few ingredients, this recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it perfect for novice bakers or those short on time (which pretty much sums up my life, always).
I also love that you can easily customize this recipe by using different types of fruit or adding white chocolate chips to the crust for added texture and flavor.
With its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor, this cheesecake is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your guests.
The Best Kind of Cream Cheese to Use
Philadelphia cream cheese is the best-known brand available. It makes a beautiful, creamy, and rich cheesecake filling and can be used for both baked and no-bake cheesecake. Cream cheese is a soft, smooth, unripened cheese made with cream or a mixture of milk and cream.
Strawberry Cheesecake Ingredient Substitutes
There are many ingredient substitutes that can be used for Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake, depending on your taste preferences and ingredient availability. Make sure to choose ingredients that complement each other and create a balanced flavor. Here are a few I would suggest:
- Cream cheese: If you don’t have Philadelphia cream cheese, you can use other brands of cream cheese or even neufchâtel cheese. Just make sure the cheese is softened before using it in the recipe.
- Graham cracker crust: If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use other types of cookies for the crust, such as vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies.
- Strawberries: If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can use frozen strawberries that have been thawed or other types of fruit, such as raspberries or blueberries.
- Sugar: If you want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, you can use a sugar substitute, such as stevia or Splenda.
- Vanilla extract: If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can use other flavorings, such as almond extract or lemon zest, for a different flavor profile.
Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Ingredients
If you are wanting to make a larger cheesecake, double the ingredients.
Philadelphia Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (4 oz) pkg. of Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons sugar
In a rush, use 1 ready-to-use graham cracker crumb crust (6 oz.)
Strawberry Topping for Cheesecake
With Strawberry Jam Variation
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- Whipped cream, for serving (optional)
From Scratch Filling Variation
- 2 cups or 1 lb of Strawberries or fruit of your choice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/3 cup sugar
Want to try something a bit different? Try using Philadelphia Strawberry cream cheese for the filling!
Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Directions
Crust Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, using a flat-bottomed glass to press it down evenly.
Filling Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust.
- Bake the cheesecake for 40-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for 30 minutes with the door slightly open.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
- Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Strawberry Topping for Cheesecake Instructions
Now, for the cheesecake topping, the same instructions apply even if you change the type of fruit topping.
From Scratch Method
- In a saucepan, combine fruit, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Place over medium heat and bring to a boil.
- Turn down and let simmer for 20 minutes or until the mixture has thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool. The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.
Strawberry Jam Variation (Quicker Version)
- Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cheesecake.
- Heat the strawberry jam over low heat in a small saucepan until it becomes liquid.
- Drizzle the jam over the strawberries.
Serve on top of your cheesecake with whipped cream, a few fresh berries or pieces of fresh fruit, and a fresh mint sprig, if desired.
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How To Store Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake
Although I don’t think you will have this problem as your cheesecake will get gobbled right up, if you do need to store it, follow these steps:
- Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature before storing it and then cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors from the refrigerator. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If you need to store the cheesecake for longer than 5 days, you can freeze it. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. The cheesecake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- To thaw the cheesecake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw the cheesecake at room temperature, as this can cause it to become soggy. Before serving the cheesecake, decorate it with fresh strawberries or whipped cream, if desired.
Deb’s Tips And Tricks For The Perfect Cheesecake
Although this recipe tends to be very easy for any skill level in the kitchen, here are a few tips that will insure your cheesecake turns out perfectly every time!
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese, eggs, and butter are at room temperature before making the cheesecake. This will ensure that the ingredients mix together smoothly and prevent lumps from forming.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking. Mix the batter just until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Use a water bath: To prevent the cheesecake from cracking during baking, place the springform pan in a larger baking dish and fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the pan.
- Let the cheesecake cool slowly: After baking, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven with the door slightly open. This will prevent the cheesecake from cooling too quickly and cracking.
- Chill the cheesecake before serving: Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving. This will help the cheesecake set and make it easier to slice.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries: Before serving, decorate the cheesecake with fresh strawberries for a beautiful and delicious presentation.
- Use high-quality ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh strawberries and Philadelphia cream cheese, for the best flavor and texture.
This strawberry cheesecake recipe is so simple and tasty. My 8-year-old daughter can even make it on her own! Try it with garden fresh raspberries for a simple summer dessert. If you love strawberries make sure you try these chocolate dipped strawberries too! They’re another one of my daughter’s favorites to make on her own!
As always, we love to hear from you! If you try this recipe, make sure to come on back and leave us a comment on how yours turned out! We know you will love this one, though!
More Delicious Baking
If you are a strawberry lover, try adding them to this delicious Rhubarb Galette or one of these scrumptious desserts below:
- Easy White Chocolate Raspberry Scone Recipe
- Rhubarb and Ginger Crumble
- Easy to Make Saskatoon Berry Pie
- Apple Crisp Cheesecake
Frequently Asked
Cheesecake is a favourite dessert for so many but what is the difference between the types of cheesecakes! The type of dairy! Classic cheesecake is made with heavy cream and sour cream making it very silky and creamy. New York cheesecake is made with cream cheese which makes it more dense and rich. Philadelphia cheesecake is actually named after the brand of cream cheese but is made very similar to New York cheesecake.
Baked or no baked cheesecake, which one is better? This will ultimately be decided by the individual enjoying the delicious dessert, but there are a few major differences between the two. Baked cheesecake is made with eggs, thus needing to be baked. It generally has a thicker, creamier texture when done. No bake cheesecake requires no eggs and tends to be a fluffier, lighter textured cheesecake!
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Ingredients
Philadelphia Cheesecake Filling
- 2 4 oz pkg. of Philadelphia cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sugar granulated
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup sugar granulated
- 1 6 oz. ready-to-use graham cracker crumb crust Optional
Strawberry Topping for Cheesecake With Strawberry Jam Variation
- 1 lb strawberries or fruit of your choice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/3 cup sugar
Strawberry Topping for Cheesecake With Jam (Quickest Method)
- 2 cups strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- whipped cream, for serving optional
Instructions
Philadelphia Cheesecake Crust Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, using a flat-bottomed glass to press it down evenly.
Philadelphia Cheesecake Filling Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust.
- Bake the cheesecake for 40-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for 30 minutes with the door slightly open.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
- Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Strawberry Topping for Cheesecake – From Scratch Variation
- In a saucepan, combine fruit, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Place over medium heat and bring to a boil.
- Turn down and let simmer for 20 minutes or until the mixture has thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool. The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.
Strawberry Topping for Cheesecake – Jam Variation
- Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cheesecake.
- In a small saucepan, heat the strawberry jam over low heat until it becomes liquid.
- Drizzle the jam over the strawberries.
- Serve on top of your cheesecake with whipped cream, a few fresh berries or pieces of fresh fruit, and a fresh mint sprig, if desired.
Notes
- For clean edges on the cheesecake slices, use a sharp knife on the chilled cheesecake and wipe it clean after every cut!
- Don’t over-mix the batter or mix at too high of a speed.
- Make sure your cream cheese is always at room temperature.
- For a bit different filling flavor, try using Philadelphia Strawberry cream cheese!
Nutrition
I love quick and easy dessert recipes, just like this Rustic French Fruit Tart from Chloe at Boxwood Avenue.
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