The Philly 3 Step Cheesecake with Variations
Indulge in the creamy decadence of The Philly 3 Step Cheesecake with Variations, the ultimate dessert for cheesecake lovers! This foolproof recipe combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a velvety cream cheese filling that’s perfectly sweetened and infused with a hint of vanilla. Ready in just three simple steps, this classic cheesecake boasts a rich texture and dreamy flavor while offering endless customization with optional variations—swirl in fruit puree for a burst of freshness or add melted chocolate for a luscious twist. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet weeknight treat, this cheesecake is quick to assemble and features tips to avoid cracks for that flawless, bakery-style finish. Whether you stick to the original or get creative with mix-ins, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for effortless indulgence.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Graham cracker crumbs
- 1.4 cup Unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar (for crust)
- 24 ounces Cream cheese (softened)
- 0.75 cup Granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 3 pieces Large eggs
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C).
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar until fully combined.
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even crust.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until just incorporated. Do not overmix to avoid cracks in the cheesecake.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the center is almost set (it should still have a slight jiggle).
Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and allow the cheesecake to gradually cool for 1 hour inside the oven.
Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Optional Variations: Add 1/2 cup of melted chocolate to the filling for a chocolate cheesecake, or swirl in 1/4 cup of fruit puree for a fruity variation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6460 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 539.9 g | 692% | |
| Saturated Fat | 322.5 g | 1612% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 2035 mg | 678% | |
| Sodium | 3525 mg | 153% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 357.3 g | 130% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 244.4 g | ||
| Protein | 76.2 g | 152% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.0 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 927 mg | 71% | |
| Iron | 11.9 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 1240 mg | 26% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
