Philadelphia Cherry Cheesecake

Philadelphia Cherry Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that brings together the creamy goodness of cream cheese and the sweet, tart flavor of cherries. This classic cheesecake recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday celebration, or just a sweet treat for yourself.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Philadelphia Cherry Cheesecake is a wonderful way to impress family and friends. The creamy texture and the sweet cherry topping create a delicious combination that is hard to resist. Plus, it is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the moment without the stress of last-minute baking.

How to Make Philadelphia Cherry Cheesecake

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups (300g) graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (115g) salted butter, melted
24 oz (680g) Philadelphia cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (15g) cornstarch
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
32 oz (900g) cherries, fresh or frozen, pitted
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (for cherry topping)
1 cup (240ml) water
4 tbsp (40g) cornstarch
1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
1 tsp vanilla extract (for cherry topping)
1/4 tsp almond extract (for cherry topping)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C / gas mark 3) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom and 2 inches up the sides of the pan. Prebake for 10 minutes, then set aside.
Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C / gas mark 2). In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and cornstarch with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust and smooth the top. Place the springform pan inside a larger pan and fill the outer pan halfway with warm water to create a water bath. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes until the center is mostly set but slightly jiggly.
In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup water. Simmer until cherries soften. In a small bowl, mix together 4 tbsp cornstarch, 1/4 cup cold water, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1/4 tsp almond extract. Stir this mixture into the cherry mixture and cook for 1 minute until thickened. Let cool.
After baking, allow the cheesecake to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 5 hours. Once set, spoon the cherry topping over the cheesecake before serving.

How to Serve Philadelphia Cherry Cheesecake

Serve your Philadelphia Cherry Cheesecake chilled, topped with the freshly made cherry topping. You can add whipped cream or fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation. This dessert will surely delight everyone at the table!

How to Store Philadelphia Cherry Cheesecake

Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator. It is best kept in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze portions of the cheesecake without the cherry topping for up to 3 months. Just remember to wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

Tips to Make Philadelphia Cherry Cheesecake

Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth batter.
Don’t skip the water bath; it helps to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly to room temperature before refrigerating.

Variation

You can easily change the fruit topping for this cheesecake. Try using blueberries, strawberries, or even mixed berries for a different flavor experience.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
A1: It’s best to stick with cream cheese for the traditional texture and flavor.

Q2: Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make it up to 2 days in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I use store-bought cherry pie filling?
A3: Yes, you can use store-bought cherry pie filling for a quicker option, but homemade topping is always more delicious!

Enjoy making and sharing your Philadelphia Cherry Cheesecake!