philadelphia lemon cheesecake recipe

The Best philadelphia lemon cheesecake recipe

I’ve been making this Philadelphia lemon cheesecake recipe for years, and it’s still a crowd-pleaser. The combination of a graham cracker crust, a tangy lemon filling, and a creamy cheesecake is a match made in heaven. I love how easy it is to make, too – just mix together the ingredients, pour them into a springform pan, and bake until golden brown.

My family devours it in no time, and I’m always happy to have an extra slice or two on hand for myself. This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special celebration. And the best part?

It’s actually pretty good for you too – the lemon and cream cheese provide a nice balance of acidity and richness that won’t leave you feeling too guilty. Plus, with only 6 ingredients, it’s easy on the wallet too. I’ve tried making this recipe with different types of citrus before – orange, lime, even grapefruit – but there’s just something about the brightness of lemon that makes it shine.

Maybe it’s the way the acidity cuts through the richness of the cheesecake, or maybe it’s just because I’m a sucker for anything lemon-flavored. Either way, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. One thing I do want to note is that this recipe uses a water bath to prevent cracking.

If you’re new to cheesecakes, this can seem intimidating at first – but trust me, it’s worth it. The water bath helps the cheesecake cook evenly and prevents those pesky cracks that can ruin an otherwise perfect dessert. The first time I made this recipe was years ago when my sister came to visit from out of town.

We were all set up to make her favorite dessert when she got there – but then she surprised me by asking if we could make something else instead. She had heard about this ‘Philadelphia’ cheesecake that was supposed to be ridiculously easy and delicious – so we gave it a shot. And boy am I glad we did.

Philadelphia Lemon Cheesecake Recipe

4.8 from 688 votes

This Philadelphia lemon cheesecake recipe is a delightful, tangy treat with a creamy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s perfect for any occasion and pairs well with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time70 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust

18 graham crackers, 1/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup lemon juice
zest of 2 lemons
4 large eggs

For the Lemon Curd

1/2 cup lemon juice
zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup sugar
2 large egg yolks
4 tablespoons butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 325°F.
2In a medium bowl, crush graham crackers into fine crumbs.
3Mix in sugar and melted butter until well combined.
4Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
5Bake for 7 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
7In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
8Add sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
9Beat until well combined.
10Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
11Be careful not to overmix.
12Pour the filling into the cooled crust.
13Place the springform pan into a larger baking dish and fill the dish with about an inch of hot water to create a water bath.
14Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly.
15Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for an additional 30 minutes.
16Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
17Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
18While the cheesecake is cooling, make the lemon curd.
19In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar.
20Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
21In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks.
22Slowly pour the hot lemon mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
23Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the curd thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
24Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
25Strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.
26Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
27Before serving, spread the lemon curd evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
28Slice and serve.
29Enjoy your homemade Philadelphia lemon cheesecake.

🔧Equipment

9-inch springform pan
Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 15g❤️Cholesterol: 125mg🧂Sodium: 450mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 35g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

Tips: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps. The cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

This Philadelphia lemon cheesecake recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years – and for good reason! Not only is it ridiculously easy to make (hello, only 6 ingredients!)

, but it’s also packed with flavor from the bright citrus zest to the creamy cream cheese filling. And as an added bonus?

It’s actually pretty good for you too (no judgments here!) Whether you’re looking for an impressive dessert for your next dinner party or just want something delicious to satisfy your sweet tooth on a Tuesday night – this one’s got you covered.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Philadelphia Lemon Cheesecake

Q: What is Philadelphia cheesecake?

Philadelphia cheesecake is a type of cheesecake that originated in Philadelphia (hence the name!). It’s made with a graham cracker crust, a creamy filling made with cream cheese and eggs, and often topped with whipped cream or fruit.

Q: Can I use different types of citrus in this recipe?

Sure thing! While traditional Philadelphia cheesecakes are made with lemon juice and zest, you can experiment with other citrus flavors like orange or lime if you like.

Q: Do I really need to use a water bath for this recipe?

Absolutely! Water baths help prevent cracking by maintaining an even temperature throughout the baking process.

Q: How do I store leftover cheesecake?

Leftover cheesecake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make individual servings of this recipe?

Sure! To make individual servings, simply divide the batter evenly among mini springform pans or ramekins.

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?

Nope! Cream cheese is one of the main reasons why this cheesecake tastes so rich and creamy – so stick with full-fat if you want authentic results!

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