Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake Copycat Recipe

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Before we dive into the world of cheesecake magic, let’s think about what you might serve alongside this creamy dessert. A steaming cup of coffee, perhaps? Or a refreshing glass of sweet iced tea? Consider a side of fresh fruit, like berries or citrus slices, to really elevate your dessert experience. The tartness of fruit cuts through the richness beautifully.

cheesecake factory original cheesecake copycat recipe

Welcome to my kitchen! I’m thrilled to guide you through making a copycat version of the iconic Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake. First things first, let’s acknowledge the undeniable appeal of cheesecake. Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-delicious, it’s a dessert for all occasions. For years, I found myself marveling at the towering cheesecakes within the Cheesecake Factory—but they come with a price, both monetarily and in terms of calories. So, the other day, I thought, “Why not recreate that experience at home?” Spoiler: It was a success. I’m here to share my journey, the recipe, and tips to ensure yours turns out just as delightful.

Table of Contents

What is Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake Copycat?

Simply put, a Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake Copycat is a homemade cheesecake that mimics the legendary version served in the restaurant. It’s rich, creamy, and features a graham cracker crust that satisfies every cheesecake lover. Unlike the average cheesecake, this one strikes a balance between creaminess and sweetness. You’ll wonder why you ever thought ordering out was the only option.

The best part? You can impress your friends, save some money, and control the ingredients—all from your very own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake Copycat?

First and foremost, this cheesecake is all about texture. The creamy filling pairs beautifully with a buttery graham cracker crust. Picture this: each slice sits perfectly on your plate, ready to be devoured. The flavor is another reason to fall in love. With hints of vanilla and lemon zest, each bite dances on your palate.

Lastly, there’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a dessert that brings joy to others. When I served this at a gathering last month, the reaction was priceless. People went back for seconds, and I even had recipe requests!

The Ingredients You Will Need to Make Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake Copycat

Graham Cracker Crust:

½ cup melted unsalted butter
2 sleeves of honey graham crackers, finely crushed
¼ cup fine white sugar

Creamy Cheesecake Filling:

4 bricks (8 oz each) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1¼ cups granulated cane sugar
½ cup thick full-fat sour cream, room temperature
5 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Stabilized Whipped Cream:

1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
1½ tablespoons cold water
½ cup powdered (confectioners) sugar
1½ cups cold heavy cream

Fresh Strawberry Topping:

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons warm water
¼ teaspoon almond extract
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups fresh whole strawberries, hulled

how to make cheesecake factory original cheesecake copycat recipe

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar until mixed well. Once combined, press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Ensure that it’s packed tightly. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Make sure it’s smooth and free of lumps. Gradually add in sugar and mix well. Next, incorporate the sour cream, followed by the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they’re well combined before adding the next.

Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest. It’s important to not overbeat the mixture, as this can introduce unnecessary air, leading to cracks in your cheesecake during baking.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the cheesecake filling into your cooled crust. To prevent cracks, you can create a water bath by placing the springform pan inside a larger pan filled with hot water. This technique helps regulate the baking temperature. Bake for about 60 to 70 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.

Step 4: Cool and Chill

Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the door, allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly inside. This reduces the risk of cracks. After about an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then cover it and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Make the Topping

In a saucepan, combine the lemon juice, warm water, almond extract, sugar, and cornstarch. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until it thickens. Remove from heat and toss in the hulled strawberries. Let it cool before spreading over the chilled cheesecake.

Step 6: Prepare the Whipped Cream

To achieve that perfect stabilized whipped cream, combine gelatin with cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes. In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and the gelatin mixture, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Chill until you’re ready to serve.

Notes

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps in achieving a smooth and creamy filling.
Do Not Overmix: When incorporating eggs, mix just until combined to avoid air bubbles.
Bake Low and Slow: Keeping the temperature lower helps reduce the risk of cracks in your cheesecake.
Water Bath is Essential: This technique stabilizes the baking temperature, preventing uneven cooking.
Chill Fully: Cheesecake tastes best when it has been chilled. Give it enough time to set properly.

Storage Tips

Cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week when wrapped tightly. If you have leftovers, consider slicing the cheesecake into individual portions before refrigerating. This way, it’s easier to grab a piece whenever a sweet craving hits! For longer storage, you can freeze slices for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Nutrition Information

We all love treating ourselves, and understanding the nutritional breakdown helps gauge how we incorporate desserts into our diet. A slice of this cheesecake has approximately:

(Note: Values can vary based on serving size and specific ingredient brands used.)

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to plating up this cheesecake, presentation counts! Here are some creative serving ideas:

Top It with Fresh Fruits: Berries or sliced strawberries add color and brightness. Tossing them in a bit of sugar can enhance sweetness.
Serve with Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a warm chocolate sauce over each piece creates a delightful contrast of flavors.
Add Nuts for Crunch: A sprinkle of toasted almonds or walnuts can add a wonderful texture that complements the smooth cheesecake.
Pair with Coffee: There’s nothing like a slice of cheesecake alongside a cup of hot java. The bitterness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Create Mini Cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin to create individual cheesecakes, perfect for parties, and easy to serve.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake Copycat?

Looking to switch things up? Here are some substitutes that you can easily use without compromising taste:

Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can provide a similar tanginess and creaminess while cutting out some calories.
Stevia or Erythritol for Sugar: If you’re watching your sugar intake, both stevia and erythritol are excellent low-calorie alternatives.
Almond Milk for Heavy Cream: If you’re trying to lighten the recipe, use almond milk in your whipped cream. Just note it may be less stable.
Vanilla Bean for Extract: For a more pronounced vanilla flavor, consider cutting a vanilla bean and scraping out the seeds instead of using extract.
Regular Cream Cheese for Light Cream Cheese: If you’re looking to save some calories, light cream cheese can work, but keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly.

Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake Copycat Recipe

Before we dive into the world of cheesecake magic, let’s think about what you might serve alongside this creamy dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45

Cook Time 1 25

Resting time 7

Total Time 9 10

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 494 kcal

Equipment

plastic wrap
Piping bag
Springform pan
High sided oven safe pan for waterbath

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust:

½ cup melted unsalted butter
2 sleeves of honey graham crackers finely crushed
¼ cup fine white sugar

Creamy Cheesecake Filling:

4 bricks 8 oz each full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1¼ cups granulated cane sugar
½ cup thick full-fat sour cream room temperature
5 large eggs room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Stabilized Whipped Cream:

1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
1½ tablespoons cold water
½ cup powdered confectioners sugar
1½ cups cold heavy cream

Fresh Strawberry Topping:

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons warm water
¼ teaspoon almond extract
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups fresh whole strawberries hulled