Original Philly Cheesecake Recipe

Indulge in the creamy, dreamy perfection of our Original Philly Cheesecake! This classic recipe delivers a rich, tangy filling perfectly balanced by a buttery graham cracker crust. Easy to follow instructions guide you to a show-stopping dessert that's sure to impress. Perfect for special occasions or a weeknight treat!

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 45 mins

Calories 381.6 kcal

Protein 13g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Original Philly Cheesecake

Graham Cracker Crumbs
6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted margarine, melted
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
Lemon Juice
Lemons, Rind Of
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Eggs

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How to Make Original Philly Cheesecake

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted margarine. Mix until evenly moistened.
Press crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
Beat in lemon juice, lemon peel, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the egg whites into the cream cheese mixture until just combined.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan (this creates a water bath for even baking).
Bake in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges and the center is just slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to cool slowly.
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cool, carefully run a thin knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan.
Remove the sides of the springform pan.
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
Top with cherry pie filling or fresh fruit, if desired.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

13 g

Sugar

80g

Fat

72g

Carbs

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60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Preparation Desserts Oven Cheesecake Dietary Equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Original Philly Cheesecake?

Original Philly Cheesecake takes about 65 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Original Philly Cheesecake?

Original Philly Cheesecake has approximately 381.6 calories per serving, with about 13 g protein, 8 g carbohydrates and 44 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Original Philly Cheesecake?

The key ingredients for Original Philly Cheesecake are Graham Cracker Crumbs, Margarine, Cream Cheese, Sugar, Lemon Juice, Lemons, Rind Of. See the full list with measurements above.