Are you a fan of creamy, indulgent desserts? Look no further! The Philly cream cheese pie recipe is a classic treat that has been satisfying sweet tooths for generations. With its rich and tangy cream cheese filling, flaky pastry crust, and a touch of sweetness, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your household. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a delicious Philly cream cheese pie, so you can enjoy this iconic dessert in the comfort of your own home.

Philly cream cheese pie is a beloved American dessert that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It combines the creamy texture of cream cheese with a variety of sweet fillings, such as fruit, chocolate, or vanilla. The pie’s popularity has spread across the country, making it a staple in many bakeries and homes. While there are countless variations of the recipe, the basic components remain the same: cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and a flaky crust.

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. For the crust, you will need flour, butter, sugar, and salt. For the filling, you will need cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. If you prefer a fruit filling, you can also add fruit preserves or fresh fruit. Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started on the Philly cream cheese pie recipe.

First, let’s make the crust. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of butter, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Once the dough is formed, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

While the dough is chilling, let’s prepare the filling. In a medium-sized bowl, beat 16 ounces of cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup of sugar and beat until well combined. Then, add 3 large eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Set the filling aside for now.

After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, and trim any excess dough. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from bubbling during baking. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Pour the cream cheese filling into the pre-baked crust and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Allow the pie to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or overnight, for the flavors to meld together.

Once your Philly cream cheese pie has cooled, you can serve it chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and enjoy this delicious dessert that captures the essence of American comfort food.

Now that you have the Philly cream cheese pie recipe in your arsenal, you can impress your friends and family with this timeless treat. So go ahead and give this classic recipe a try, and savor the creamy, tangy goodness that will leave everyone asking for seconds!