Philadelphia Cherry Cheesecake
A creamy cheesecake topped with vibrant cherries, perfect for any occasion, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs Adds a delightful crunch and a subtly sweet base.
- 0.25 cups sugar Enhances the sweetness of the crust.
- 0.25 cups unsalted butter, melted Binds the crust together.
Filling Ingredients
- 3 cups Philadelphia cream cheese, softened The star ingredient for a rich taste.
- 1 cups sour cream Adds a lovely tang.
- 1 cups granulated sugar Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract For a warming aroma.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Brings brightness.
- 4 large eggs Helps cheesecake set.
Cherry Topping
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved Juicy topping.
- 2 tablespoons cherry juice Enhances cherry flavor.
- 0.25 cups powdered sugar Sweetening the fruit topping.
- 0.25 cups heavy whipping cream For whipped topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create a crust and bake for 10 minutes. Let it cool completely.
Filling
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and gently tap the pan to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, until edges are set but center has a slight jiggle. Cool at room temperature for an hour and then refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.
Topping
- Combine cherries and cherry juice in a bowl and let them sit for 10 minutes.
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
- Once the cheesecake is chilled, top it with whipped cream and spoon over the cherry mixture.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter. Use a water bath during baking to prevent cracks on the surface.