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Cheesecake Lady dessert display

Name: Cheesecake Lady Philly Style Cheesecake

Summary: An irresistibly rich, creamy cheesecake inspired by the legendary Cheesecake Lady in Philadelphia, featuring a classic graham cracker crust and endless options for custom flavors like strawberry crunch, banana pudding, or peach cobbler.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ngredients:
  • Basic Classic Cheesecake — adjust toppings per your flavor choice
  • For the crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
  • For the filling:
  • 4 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Optional Toppings:
  • Strawberry crunch crumbs
  • Crushed Oreo cookies
  • Sliced peaches with cinnamon sugar
  • Vanilla wafers for banana pudding style

Equipment

  • Equipment:
  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet (for water bath)
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Instructions:
  2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  3. Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil to prepare for a water bath.
  4. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar and vanilla, beating well.
  6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing slowly to avoid overbeating.
  7. Blend in the sour cream and heavy cream until fully incorporated.
  8. Pour the filling over the baked crust.
  9. Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan, then fill the roasting pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the springform.
  10. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the center is just set.
  11. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake rest inside for 1 hour.
  12. Remove from the oven, cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  13. Add your favorite Cheesecake Lady–style toppings before serving, like strawberry crunch crumbs, banana slices, or cookie crumbles.

Notes

Notes:
Always bring ingredients to room temperature for best blending.
Don’t skip the water bath; it prevents cracks.
Flavor can be customized endlessly (try cookie butter, peach, or even s’mores!).