Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dessert that’s both incredibly rich and surprisingly easy to make? Then prepare yourself for the ultimate indulgence: Philadelphia Cheesecake Pie! This recipe combines the creamy goodness of classic cheesecake with the satisfying crumble of a pie crust, creating a dessert that's perfect for any occasion – from casual weeknight treats to elegant dinner parties. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Making the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. This is easiest with an electric mixer.
- Beat in the flour, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until just combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the sour cream until just incorporated.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust.
Baking the Pie:
- Place the pie plate in a larger baking pan. Pour enough hot water into the larger pan to come halfway up the sides of the pie plate (this creates a water bath, preventing cracking).
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set. The edges will be set, but the center might still jiggle slightly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the pie inside with the door slightly ajar for another 30 minutes. This allows it to cool gradually.
- Remove the pie from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy filling.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake.
- Water Bath: The water bath helps to create a moist environment and prevent the cheesecake from cracking.
- Cooling: Allowing the pie to cool slowly prevents cracking and ensures a smooth texture.
Variations:
- Chocolate Swirl: Add ½ cup of melted semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling for a delicious chocolate swirl.
- Berry Topping: Top the cooled pie with your favorite fresh berries for a beautiful and flavorful finish.
- Different Crust: Experiment with different crusts, such as a shortbread crust or an Oreo crust.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This Philadelphia Cheesecake Pie is a truly delicious and satisfying dessert. It’s a perfect example of how easy recipes can create truly impressive and memorable results. This healthy meal alternative (in moderation, of course!) is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!