Most Philadelphia Cheesecake recipes don’t differ that much since they’re typically made with a few simple ingredients.
This can be rather limiting especially if you want to try out some new ideas and no bake variations.
Nonetheless, there are still more than a dozen recipes that combine the main ingredients in creative ways or add new ones to the mix.
A prime example of this are Philadelphia cheesecake bars which have a hollowed out center filled with strawberry compote and drizzled with white chocolate.
You can also play around with the filling and add some Baileys Irish cream and maple syrup.
In any case, I’m certain you’ll be able to find at least one recipe idea in this list that will hit your sweet spot.
13 Philadelphia Cheesecake Recipes
Philadelphia Cheesecake
This rustic Philadelphia Cheesecake is made with a few simple ingredients which result in a fluffy delicately sweet cheesecake.
The main ingredients are pretty much what you’d expect from a regular cheesecake: Graham cracker crumbs, eggs, cream cheese, sugar and vanilla extract.
However, this rendition also includes a few tablespoons of lemon juice which adds some additional flavor.
Our Flavor Twist 🍋
Add a handful of fresh berries on top for a burst of color and a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cheesecake.
A mix of raspberries and blackberries would be perfect, giving your cheesecake an extra pop of flavor.
Check recipe at: I’m Hungry For That
The Best Philadelphia Cheesecake Ever
I’m not sure if this is truly the best Philadelphia Cheesecake out there, but it surely looks and tastes amazing.
The defining feature which makes this cheesecake stand out from the rest is the cream cheese filling.
It’s made with pumpkin pie spice and a dash of maple syrup which enrich its taste and give it a subtle toffee flavor.
Another distinct feature of this cheesecake is that it’s garnished with crushed walnuts which only add to its aesthetic.
What We’d Serve This With 🥧
This cheesecake would pair wonderfully with a warm cup of cinnamon coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine.
Perfect for a cozy evening or a fall dinner party, it complements the spiced flavors beautifully.
Check recipe at: Happily Inspired
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cheesecake
With only six ingredients and four easy steps to follow, this classic Philly Cheesecake recipe is a must try.
Preparing it is as simple as whipping up a cream cheese filling, layering it on some graham cracker crust and baking.
On top of that, the recipe is also made without a water bath which simplifies it even further.
When We’d Serve This 🍽️
This cheesecake is perfect for a simple yet elegant dessert at family gatherings or dinner parties.
It’s easy enough to whip up for a weekday treat but impressive enough to serve at special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.
Check recipe at: The Kitchn
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Once you try these Strawberry Cheesecakes out, you’ll forget making regular cheesecake ever again.
They are super easy to make, have a rich creamy taste and serve as a great party snack.
The cakes are made from a layer of toasty graham cracker crust, cream cheese and a hollowed out center which is filled with strawberry compote.
They’re also drizzled with some white chocolate for an additional burst of flavor.
Tips from Our Kitchen 🍫
For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of sea salt to the white chocolate drizzle.
It’ll balance out the sweetness and bring out the rich, creamy flavors of the cheesecake bars.
Check recipe at: The Squeaky Mixer
Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake
This No Bake Philadelphia Cheesecake is for anyone who doesn’t have time for baking desserts. It features a graham cracker crust topped off with cream cheese and a cherry pie filling.
The recipe also comes with a few variation ideas in case you get bored and want to try something new.
Chiefly, you can substitute the graham cracker crust with some crushed oreos and use whipped cream instead of cool whip.
Make It Even Better 💡
For a fun twist, try mixing in some lemon zest into the cream cheese filling for a zesty kick.
It’ll give the cheesecake a refreshing note that pairs beautifully with the cherry topping.
Check recipe at: Desserts On A Dime
Philadelphia 3-step Cheesecake
Cheesecakes don’t get any easier than this simple Philadelphia cheesecake.
The recipe is made with only three steps and results in a cheesecake with a velvety smooth, golden brown topping.
You simply need to prep the crust, make the filling and bake everything in the oven for roughly an hour.
What We’d Serve This With 🍇
Pair this simple cheesecake with a fresh fruit salad or roasted nuts for a balanced dessert.
It also goes wonderfully with a light white wine or sparkling water to keep things refreshing.
Check recipe at: Cuts Food
Classic Philadelphia New York Cheesecake
This New York Cheesecake is made with loads of Graham cracker crumbs and a smooth creamy topping.
It has a soft pillowy texture which melts in your mouth and releases a delicately sweet flavor.
Naturally, you can top this cheesecake with some jam, fruit compote or fresh berries.
When We’d Serve This 🍽️
This cheesecake is perfect for holidays or formal events where you need a classic dessert that’ll impress.
It also makes a great centerpiece for a Sunday family dinner or as a dessert for a dinner party.
Check recipe at: Recipes.NET
Vegan New York Cheesecake
Even though a vegan cheesecake may sound counterintuitive, you can certainly make it possible with the proper ingredients.
In the case of this New York Cheesecake recipe it means using vegan butter, vegan cream cheese and a dairy free yogurt.
Since vegan yogurt and cream cheese aren’t as thick as they need to be for the filling, you’ll also need to use some cornstarch.
Our Flavor Twist 🌱
Try adding a little vanilla extract to the filling for an aromatic flavor that will deepen the overall taste.
A dash of cinnamon can also complement the vegan ingredients for a lovely spiced note.
Check recipe at: Spa Bettie
Classic Cheesecake with Sour Cream
This classic cheesecake comes with a milky white sour cream topping which makes it ideal for a white food party.
The topping is really simple to make as all you’ll need to do is beat some sour cream, sugar and vanilla extract together.
Even though this cheesecake is perfect as is, you can scoop up some cherry pie filling for additional flavor.
Make It Even Better 🍒
For extra indulgence, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top before serving.
It will add a rich, silky sweetness that complements the tangy sour cream perfectly.
Check recipe at: Classy Clutter
Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars
These Cheesecake Bars are a great alternative to a classic philly cheesecake. They feature a buttery graham cracker crust packed with velvety cream cheese filling.
They’re cut up in tiny triangles which makes them perfect as a party snack you can bring to a potluck or an afternoon tea party.
Tips from Our Kitchen 🍽️
To prevent the bars from sticking, line the baking dish with parchment paper.
It’ll make cutting and serving them a breeze!
Check recipe at: Bubba Pie
Philadelphia Triple Chocolate Cheesecake
A chocolate cheesecake isn’t the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of a philly cheesecake.
Nevertheless, this Triple Chocolate Cheesecake is definitely worth trying out especially if you’re looking for a dessert with a more nuanced flavor.
The cheesecake is made with an oreo cookie crust, a white chocolate cream cheese filling and chocolate cream cheese filling.
This cheesecake is also a bit hefty since a single batch yields roughly 16 servings.
Our Flavor Twist 🍫
Substitute the white chocolate with dark chocolate for a more intense, bittersweet flavor.
It’ll provide a rich contrast to the smooth, creamy texture of the cheesecake.
Check recipe at: All Recipes
No-Bake Baileys Cheesecake
This Baileys Cheesecake is far from a typical philly cheesecake, but it’s still worth giving a shot.
It’s made with an oreo biscuit crumb which is filled with a mixture of cream cheese, whipped cream and some Baileys Irish cream.
To top things off, the cheesecake is covered with dollops of melted chocolate which enrich its even further taste.
Another neat thing about this recipe is that it’s made using tiny 3.5 inches springform pans.
What We’d Serve This With 🍹
Pair this indulgent cheesecake with a Baileys Irish Coffee for a delightful after-dinner treat.
It’s the perfect pairing for an evening of relaxation or a cozy gathering.
Check recipe at: Foodie Baker
Philadelphia Tub Cheesecake
If you love cheesecake so much that you can’t get enough of it, then you gotta try this Philadelphia Tub Cheesecake.
A single batch yields a whole 15 servings which are loaded with cherry pie filling and tons of cream cheese.
The cheesecake is also packed with some orange and lemon extract which give it a subtle citrusy flavor.
When We’d Serve This 🍊
This dessert is perfect for a summer picnic or a big family gathering.
It’s easy to serve, and the citrusy twist makes it refreshing for warm weather occasions.
Check recipe at: Can’t Stay Out Of The Kitchen
Over to you
Even though Philadelphia cheesecake is made with a few simple ingredients, there are still plenty of different variations you can choose from.
And as long as you stick to some basic instructions you’ll end up with a delightful piece of cheesecake.