Original PHILADELPHIA Cheesecake Recipe ~ STILL the Best!
This is the authentic Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cheesecake Recipe – my absolute favorite! It is prepared using Philadelphia cream cheese, sugar, butter, vanilla, and eggs, all nestled in a graham cracker crust, baked to achieve genuine flavor and texture.
There is certainly a place for no-bake cheesecakes in the culinary world, and we enjoy those as well. They are incredibly quick and simple to prepare. However, when you truly desire that classic cheesecake flavor and texture, the original Philly cheesecake is the way to go.
I genuinely prefer to utilize the traditional Philadelphia cheesecake recipe that we all cherish (and I am using it with permission). Nevertheless, this year I have another festive no-bake Eggnogg Cheesecake that I intend to create for Christmas Eve. Delicious!
Original PHILADELPHIA Classic Cheesecake Recipe
For the Crust:
1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed chocolate cookies)
3 Tbsp. sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
For the Filling:
4 packages (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs
How to Prepare the OG Philly Cheesecake:
HEAT the oven to 325°F.
MIX graham crumbs, 3 Tbsp. sugar, and butter. Press this mixture into the base of a 9-inch springform pan.
BEAT the cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla with a mixer until well combined.
Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended.
Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
BAKE for 55 minutes or until the center is nearly set. Loosen the cake from the rim of the pan; allow it to cool before removing the rim.
Refrigerate for 4 hours, then add toppings or savor it as it is!
Optional Cheesecake Toppings:
Chocolate
Caramel
Strawberries
The world’s finest cranberry blueberry sauce
Cherry pie filling
Espresso whipped cream
Nothing! It’s perfectly delightful on its own as well!
FAQs
Q: Can I use alternative ingredients for the cheesecake crust?
A: Absolutely! As long as the ingredient is a dry, moderately sweet cookie or cracker, it will work perfectly. Avoid cookies that contain filling. We have successfully used crushed chocolate cookies (without filling), crushed gingersnaps, crushed snickerdoodles, and crushed animal crackers (the ones with a hint of lemon). Oh my, that combination was delightful with fresh blueberries.
Q: Is it possible to use different brands of cream cheese?
A: Yes, indeed, but we consistently opt for the original brand. If you are confident that you have a generic or different brand that has a similar texture to Philadelphia, it will likely yield excellent results. Avoid substituting low-fat or Neufchatel cheese unless absolutely necessary or desired. While it may appear similar, the texture will be less rich and creamy, which is not our preference.
Q: What distinguishes mascarpone from cream cheese in a cheesecake?
A: The distinction between mascarpone and cream cheese is quite subtle. Mascarpone is an Italian variant of cream cheese that possesses a higher fat content compared to American cream cheese. Consequently, the cheesecake is slightly richer and creamier with a touch less tang.
OTHER RECIPES
A nice Philadelphia cream cheese recipe to try !
Ingredients
* 1-1/4 cups HONEY MAID Graham Crumbs
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* 3 pkg. (250 g each) PHILADELPHIA Brick Cream Cheese, softened
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1 tsp. vanilla
* 3 eggs
Instructions
Heat oven to 350°F.
Mix crumbs and butter; press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan.
Beat Philadelphia cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with mixer until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Pour over crust.
Bake 40 to 50 min. or until centre is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim. Refrigerate cheesecake 4 hours. The Philadelphia cream cheese recipe cheesecake is ready to serve...nice cake to try !
This creamy chicken Philadelphia pasta with pesto is not only rich in flavor but also requires minimal effort and time. It is versatile and can be prepared in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, utilizing just a few basic ingredients.
A close-up of Philadelphia chicken pasta, garnished with rocket and tomatoes.
Chicken Philly pesto pasta
This dish is a wonderfully creamy Philadelphia pasta, although it may shock an Italian (as Italians typically do not combine chicken with pasta). Nevertheless, I will continue to prepare it, as I thoroughly enjoy this chicken and Philadelphia pasta.
Originally, my chicken coleslaw salad was intended to utilize an excess of turkey, but it is equally delightful when made with chicken. This traditional, mildly spiced salad blends British and Indian flavors; coronation chicken remains a timeless favorite.
Here is a collection of my preferred recipes for leftover roast chicken, perfect for quick, easy, and delicious midweek meals and beyond!
For me, it represents the ultimate comfort food after a long day at work. I find it incredibly quick and simple to prepare, making it an excellent way to serve a tasty meal that cooks in mere minutes. It becomes even faster if you use leftover roast chicken from Sunday’s dinner.
Like many of my favorite recipes, there are countless variations you can try with different vegetables. My best advice for incorporating green vegetables is to add them to the pasta pot towards the end of the cooking time and cook them alongside the pasta, ensuring they remain vibrant and fresh, while also reducing the amount of washing up!
How to prepare chicken Philly pesto pasta
A top-down collage of six images illustrating step-by-step instructions for preparation.
Begin by measuring and preparing the ingredients – dice the chicken and grate the cheese. I always find that taking a few minutes to measure everything in advance saves a significant amount of time later. It greatly reduces the likelihood of omitting an essential ingredient. Additionally, I often find myself cooking too much pasta. By measuring out portions, this issue is completely resolved!
Step two – Heat a small frying pan and pour in a generous amount of olive oil, then add the diced chicken breast. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes, turning the pieces frequently to prevent burning. If the chicken is not browning, incorporate a teaspoon of butter into the frying pan to assist with the cooking.
(If you are utilizing leftover roast chicken, simply fry it for a minute to warm it up.)
Step three– Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has developed some color, add one heaped tablespoon each of Philadelphia cream cheese and pesto. Mix these ingredients together with the chicken.
Scoop out an espresso cup of pasta water (approximately 75 ml). Incorporate the pasta water into the chicken mixture, along with half of the grated cheese, to create a sauce. The addition of pasta water to sauces results in a delectably smooth, velvety texture that evenly coats the pasta without the need for excessive butter or oil!
Step four – As the pasta nears completion, add the peas to the pan to cook.
Making Philadelphia chicken pasta – the finished dish is ready to serve.
Step five – Drain the pasta and peas, then combine them with the sauce. Stir thoroughly and serve immediately, garnished with the remaining cheese.
Hints, tips and variations for Philly Pesto Chicken Pasta
This dish is incredibly forgiving, so feel free to use what you have on hand!
Utilize any pasta shapes available. Due to the chunks of chicken, short pasta shapes are more suitable than spaghetti or other noodles.
Employ leftover roast chicken or turkey – just heat it through for a minute in the frying pan.
Incorporate some chopped bacon and fry it alongside the chicken.
Opt for red pesto for a vibrant twist.
Substitute the peas with sweetcorn, or use a combination of both.
Add extra vegetables with our helpful suggestions for enhancing pasta dishes.
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Notes
Hints, tips, and variations for Philly Pesto Chicken Pasta
This dish is incredibly forgiving, so feel free to use what you have on hand!
You can use any pasta shapes available. Due to the chunks of chicken, shorter pasta shapes are preferable to spaghetti or other long noodles.
Utilize leftover roast chicken or turkey – simply heat it in the frying pan for a minute.
Incorporate some chopped bacon and fry it alongside the chicken.
Consider using red pesto for a vibrant twist.
Replace the peas with sweetcorn, or combine both.
Enhance your dish with additional vegetables by following our useful tips for incorporating extra veggies into pasta recipes.
• Please be aware that the nutritional information provided below is approximate and intended as a guideline only.
• Unless specified otherwise, cup conversions have been performed using an online tool. For precise measurements, please consult your preferred conversion tool. We suggest investing in affordable digital kitchen scales.
OTHER RECIPES
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Ingredients
* 1 tsp. oil
* 4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb./450 g)
* 1/4 cup PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread
* 1/3 cup 25%-less-sodium chicken broth
* 2 Tbsp. pesto
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Instructions
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add chicken; cook 6 to 8 min. on each side or until done (170ΒΊF). Transfer to plate; cover to keep warm.
Add cream cheese spread to skillet; cook on medium heat 5 min. or until melted, stirring constantly. Whisk in broth and pesto; cook and stir 2 to 3 min. or until sauce is thickened and well blended. Pour over chicken..enjoy Creamy PHILLY Pesto Chicken !
These Marinated PHILLY® Cheese Squares are a simple yet elegant appetizer. Cubes of creamy Philadelphia cream cheese are marinated in herbs, spices, and olive oil, absorbing bold flavors that make them irresistible. They’re perfect for cheese boards, party platters, or casual snacking, and can be prepared ahead of time.
⭐ Why This Recipe Works
Quick and easy, ready in under 15 minutes
PHILLY cream cheese stays creamy and firm
Bold Mediterranean-inspired marinade
Perfect for entertaining or weeknight snacks
Can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices
π§ Ingredients
Cheese
250 g PHILLY® cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
Marinade
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
π½️ Instructions
Cut PHILLY cream cheese into 1-inch cubes and place in a shallow bowl or airtight container.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme/rosemary, chili flakes (if using), lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Pour the marinade over the cheese cubes, making sure each cube is lightly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor).
Before serving, bring to room temperature and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
π₯ Serving Suggestions
Serve with crackers, breadsticks, or crostini
Add to a charcuterie board with cured meats, olives, and fresh fruit
Toss into a Mediterranean salad for a creamy, flavorful boost
Pair with roasted vegetables or grilled skewers
π Variations & Upgrades
Sun-dried tomato & basil: add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the marinade
Spicy: increase chili flakes or add a drizzle of harissa
Nutty: sprinkle lightly toasted pine nuts over cheese before serving
Herb-forward: mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, and dill for a garden-fresh flavor
❄️ Storage Tips
Keep marinated cheese cubes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days
Let cheese come to room temperature before serving for best flavor
Do not freeze—texture may change
π‘ Pro Tips
Use firm PHILLY cream cheese for cubes that hold their shape
Chop herbs finely to distribute flavor evenly
Marinate longer for deeper, more aromatic flavor
π Final Thoughts
These Marinated PHILLY® Cheese Squares are an easy, elegant appetizer that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that looks gourmet but is ready in minutes. Perfect for parties, casual gatherings, or cheese boards, this recipe is sure to become a crowd favorite.
OTHER RECIPES
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Ingredients
* 1 (250 g) package PHILADELPHIA Brick Cream Cheese
* 1/2 cup KRAFT Extra Virgin Olive Oil Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onions
* 1 teaspoon lime zest
* 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Instructions
1. Cut cream cheese into 32 pieces; place in shallow dish.
2. Mix remaining ingredients.
3. Pour dressing mixture over cream cheese. Refrigerate 1 hour.Cool. Enjoy the Marinated PHILLY Cheese Squares recipes !!!
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s light, creamy, and irresistibly indulgent, this PHILADELPHIA® Vanilla Mousse Cheesecake is your answer. Combining a buttery biscuit base, a smooth cream cheese filling, and airy vanilla mousse topping, it’s elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight treats. Using Philadelphia cream cheese, it delivers that signature rich, velvety texture every bite.
⭐ Why This Cheesecake Is a Winner
Light and airy vanilla mousse topping
Rich, creamy PHILADELPHIA® cream cheese filling
No-bake option available for effortless preparation
Perfect for parties, holidays, or dessert tables
Elegant presentation without complicated techniques
π° Ingredients
Biscuit Base
200 g digestive biscuits or graham crackers, crushed
100 g unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Filling
250 g PHILADELPHIA® cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup heavy cream, whipped
Vanilla Mousse Topping
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: fresh berries or chocolate shavings for garnish
π½️ Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
Combine crushed biscuits with melted butter in a bowl.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to set.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat PHILADELPHIA cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add vanilla extract and fold in whipped cream gently.
Spread the filling evenly over the chilled biscuit base.
Refrigerate for 30–40 minutes to firm up.
3. Prepare the Vanilla Mousse
Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Spoon or pipe the mousse over the set cream cheese layer.
Smooth the surface and chill for at least 2–3 hours (or overnight) for best results.
4. Serve
Release the cheesecake from the springform pan.
Garnish with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of fruit coulis.
Slice with a hot knife for clean edges.
π Variations & Upgrades
Chocolate twist: fold melted chocolate into the mousse
Fruit layer: add a thin layer of raspberry or passionfruit puree between filling and mousse
Nutty crunch: sprinkle crushed pistachios or almonds on top
Mini version: make individual cheesecake cups in jars or ramekins
❄️ Storage Tips
Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days
Best served chilled for a light, airy texture
Not recommended for freezing due to mousse topping
π‘ Pro Tips for Perfection
Use fully softened PHILADELPHIA cream cheese for a silky texture
Chill layers between steps to ensure mousse sets properly
Whip cream just to soft peaks—overwhipping can cause graininess
π Final Thoughts
This PHILADELPHIA® Vanilla Mousse Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for those who love creamy, airy, and elegantly simple treats. With its delicate vanilla flavor and luxurious cream cheese base, it’s perfect for entertaining, gifting, or simply treating yourself. It’s a dessert that tastes as impressive as it looks, and readers will love how approachable it is to make at home.
OTHER RECIPES
PHILADELPHIA Ingredients
40 NILLA Wafers, crushed
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
4 (8 ounce) packages PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened, divided
1 cup sugar, divided
4 teaspoons vanilla, divided
3 eggs
1 (8 ounce) tub COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed
PHILADELPHIA Directions
Heat oven to 325 degrees F.
Mix wafer crumbs and butter; press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan.
Beat 3 pkg. cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar and 1 Tbsp. vanilla with mixer until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Pour over crust.
Bake 50 to 55 min. or until center is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool completely in pan.
Beat remaining cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with mixer in large bowl until well blended. Whisk in COOL WHIP; spread over cheesecake. Refrigerate 4 hours. Remove rim of pan before serving cheesecake.
Looking for a flavor-packed condiment that can elevate any dish? This Beetroot Relish and Dukkah combines earthy roasted beetroot with a vibrant, crunchy dukkah topping. Perfect as a spread, side, or garnish, it’s a versatile recipe that brings color, texture, and bold flavor to your table.
⭐ Why Readers Will Love This Recipe
Naturally vibrant and eye-catching
Sweet, earthy, and slightly tangy beetroot flavor
Crunchy, nutty dukkah adds irresistible texture
Great for entertaining, sandwiches, salads, or cheese boards
Healthy, vegetarian, and full of flavor
π Ingredients
Beetroot Relish
4 medium beetroot, roasted, peeled, and diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper, to taste
Dukkah (Egyptian Nut & Spice Mix)
¼ cup hazelnuts (or almonds / pistachios), toasted
2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
1 tsp coriander seeds, toasted and crushed
½ tsp cumin seeds, toasted and crushed
½ tsp sea salt
π½️ Instructions
1. Make the Beetroot Relish
Roast beetroot at 200°C / 400°F for 25–30 minutes until tender.
Add roasted beetroot, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Cook for 3–4 minutes until heated through.
Season with salt and pepper. Let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Dukkah
Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Cool slightly.
Grind nuts coarsely in a food processor or chop finely by hand.
Mix with toasted sesame seeds, crushed coriander, cumin, and salt.
3. Serve
Spoon beetroot relish onto a serving platter.
Sprinkle dukkah generously over the top.
Serve as a condiment with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or fresh bread.
π₯ Serving Suggestions
Spread on toast or crackers for a gourmet snack
Dollop over roasted vegetables or grain bowls
Serve alongside cheese boards or charcuterie
Add to sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for extra flavor
π Variations & Upgrades
Spicy kick: add chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika
Sweet twist: add roasted red peppers or dried cranberries
Nut swap: try pecans, cashews, or macadamia nuts in the dukkah
Vegan glaze: drizzle with maple syrup instead of honey
❄️ Storage Tips
Beetroot relish: store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
Dukkah: keep in a dry container for up to 2 weeks
Assemble just before serving for best texture and crunch
π‘ Pro Tips
Roast beetroot in foil to retain moisture and color
Toast nuts and seeds slowly to avoid burning and maximize aroma
Coarsely chop dukkah for a crunchy texture that contrasts with creamy beetroot
π Final Thoughts
This Beetroot Relish and Dukkah recipe is a showstopper: vibrant, crunchy, and bursting with flavor. Its versatility makes it perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or entertaining, and it’s a great way to introduce readers to creative, healthy, and flavorful condiments.
OTHER RECIPES
PHILADELPHIA INGREDIENTS
100g PHILADELPHIA Original Block Cream Cheese
1 cup beetroot relish
1/4 cup chopped mint
1/4 cup dukkah
Pita crisps or crackers for serving
Antipasto, for serving, if desired
PHILADELPHIA METHOD
ARRANGE the PHILLY onto a serving platter then drizzle over the beetroot relish.
Top with the chopped mint then sprinkle over the dukkah.
Looking for a show-stopping appetizer? This PHILLY® Sundried Tomato & Garlic Dip is smooth, creamy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor. Using Philadelphia cream cheese as a base, it’s quick to make, perfect for entertaining, and guaranteed to disappear fast at parties, brunches, or casual get-togethers.
⭐ Why This Dip Is a Crowd-Pleaser
Ultra-creamy without heavy mayo or sour cream
Bold, tangy flavor from sundried tomatoes and roasted garlic
Ready in 15 minutes—no cooking required
Perfect with fresh vegetables, pita, or crackers
Vegetarian-friendly and versatile
π Ingredients
Creamy Base
225 g PHILLY® cream cheese, softened
2–3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Flavor Boosters
½ cup sundried tomatoes, finely chopped (preferably oil-packed)
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
1–2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
π½️ Instructions
Beat PHILLY cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
Mix in olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
Fold in sundried tomatoes, basil, Parmesan (if using), and parsley.
Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle a little olive oil on top for garnish.
Chill for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve.
π₯ Serving Suggestions
Warm pita bread or crostini
Fresh vegetables: carrots, cucumber, bell peppers
Crackers or tortilla chips
Spread on sandwiches or wraps for a flavor boost
π Variations & Upgrades
Spicy kick: add crushed red pepper flakes
Nutty flavor: sprinkle with toasted pine nuts
Extra herbs: mix in thyme or oregano
Roasted red pepper twist: replace half the sundried tomatoes with roasted red peppers
❄️ Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal creaminess
Not recommended for freezing due to fresh herbs and olive oil
π‘ Pro Tips
Always soften PHILLY cream cheese first for a silky, lump-free dip
Chop sundried tomatoes finely for even distribution
Add olive oil gradually to control the creaminess and texture
π Final Thoughts
This PHILLY® Sundried Tomato & Garlic Dip is the perfect balance of creamy richness and bold Mediterranean flavor. It’s simple to prepare, elegant to serve, and versatile enough for snacking, entertaining, or spreading on sandwiches. Readers will love how easy it is to elevate a classic cream cheese dip into something extraordinary.
OTHER RECIPES
A nice Philadelphia Cream Cheese recipe !
Philadelphia Cream Cheese INGREDIENTS
* 1 (250 g) tub PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread
* 1/2 cup MIRACLE WHIP Dressing
* 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes packed in oil, drained, chopped
Philadelphia Cream Cheese INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix all ingredients except tomatoes until well blended. Stir in tomatoes.
2. Serve with Christie Crackers and cut-up fresh vegetables.