Delia Smith Cheesecake Philadelphia Recipe

This Delia Smith Cheesecake is a real show stopper, perfect for a sophisticated dinner party dessert. It isn’t usually made with a sweetened soured cream topping in standard New York recipes, but we’ve added it here to provide a cool, tangy contrast to the rich filling. To make the base extra crunchy, you can use nutty granola biscuits instead of digestives. Not traditional, maybe, but very delicious.

Delia Smith Cheesecake Philadelphia Recipe Ingredients

• For the Base:
  • 110g (4 oz) digestive biscuits
  • 50g (2 oz) butter, melted
• For the Filling:
  • 700g (1 lb 9 oz) full-fat soft cheese (Philadelphia), at room temperature
  • 150g (5 oz) caster sugar
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• For the Topping:
  • 425ml (15 fl oz) soured cream
  • 2 tablespoons caster sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How To Make Delia Smith Cheesecake Philadelphia Recipe

1. Prep the tin: Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F/Gas 2). lightly grease a 20cm (8 inch) loose-bottomed cake tin and line the base with baking parchment.
2. Make the crumb crust: Place the digestive biscuits in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they resemble fine crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the melted butter until fully coated. Press the mixture firmly into the base of the prepared tin using the back of a spoon. Bake the base in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool.
3. Raise the heat: Turn the oven temperature up to 170°C (325°F/Gas 3).
4. Make the filling: In a large bowl, mix the Philadelphia cheese with the 150g caster sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth (do not over-beat). Gradually whisk in the beaten eggs until combined.
5. Bake the cheesecake: Pour the filling over the biscuit base. Bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 40 minutes. The cheesecake should be set around the edges but still have a slight wobble in the center.
6. Add the topping: While the cheesecake bakes, whisk the soured cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, and remaining vanilla extract together. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and carefully pour this mixture over the top.
7. Final bake: Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
8. Cool and chill: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the tin. Once cool, cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to firm up before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Room Temp is Law: You must use room temperature cream cheese. If you use it cold straight from the fridge, it will be lumpy and won’t mix smoothly with the eggs.
• The Gentle Mix: Don’t whisk the filling vigorously. You want to mix it just enough to combine. Incorporating too much air will cause the cheesecake to rise and then crack when it collapses.
• The Wobble: Do not overbake the main filling. It should not be solid like a cake; it needs to jiggle slightly in the center when you nudge the tin. It firms up significantly in the fridge.
• Crust Compacting: When pressing the biscuit base, use the bottom of a glass or a measuring cup to press it down hard. This ensures the base holds together when you slice it later.

What To Serve With Delia Smith Cheesecake Philadelphia Recipe

This Delia Smith Cheesecake Philadelphia Recipe is incredibly rich and creamy, so it needs acidity to cut through the fat. A sharp Fruit Compote made from raspberries or blackcurrants is the classic pairing. For a lighter touch, pile fresh Strawberries or Blueberries on top just before serving. If you want to lean into the indulgence, a drizzle of Salted Caramel Sauce contrasts beautifully with the tangy sour cream topping.

How To Store Delia Smith Cheesecake Philadelphia Recipe

• Refrigerate: Keep the cheesecake in the loose-bottomed tin or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the whole cheesecake or slices. Wrap tightly in cling film and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Note that the texture may become slightly softer after freezing.

Delia Smith Cheesecake Philadelphia Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 8g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Delia Smith Baileys Cheesecake Recipe
• Delia Smith No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Recipe
• Delia Smith Key Lime Pie​ Recipe