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| Meta Title | Easy Cheesecake Pie (Recipe & Video) - Sally's Baking |
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| Boilerpipe Text | This
easy cheesecake pie
is perfect for cheesecake lovers who want a quicker, easier alternative to making a classic cheesecake. The smooth and creamy filling is made of just 6 simple ingredients, and thereâs no springform pan or water bath step required. Itâs delicious on its own, or you can top it with
raspberry sauce
,
whipped cream
,
hot fudge
,
lemon curd
, fresh berries, or
salted caramel
.
This pie recipe wasnât actually in my original plan for posting on the website, but it just kind of⌠happened. I was working on perfecting the recipe and technique for
graham cracker crust
, and needed something easy and reliable to use on repeat for a filling⌠approximately 75 cheesecake pies later, I thought:
Well, I should probably share this recipe, too!
One reader, Jeff, commented:
â
I made this and it is one of the best cheesecakes I have had. It is easy and has a very New York cheesecake flavor. I make a lot of water bath cheesecakes and I found this to be just as creamy and flavorful as any others I have made. â
â
â
â
â
â
Hereâs Why Youâll Love This Easy Cheesecake Pie
Itâs cheesecake⌠without the fuss
Batter & crust come together quickly
Same velvety, creamy texture and tangy-sweet taste as my classic
cheesecake
6 simple ingredients, plus a 3-ingredient graham cracker crust
Bakes and cools much faster than a regular cheesecake
Itâs very adaptable to taste and season, depending on toppings
What Is the Difference Between Cheesecake and Cheesecake Pie?
Todayâs cheesecake pie is like a regular cheesecake,
only (1) the filling layer isnât as thick and tall and (2) you bake it in a pie dish instead of a springform pan. Basically, the taste and texture are the same, but you donât have as much filling in each bite.
If youâre in the mood for real, classic cheesecake⌠definitely put in the time and effort to make a real,
classic cheesecake
. However, if you love cheesecake and donât have the energy (whether thatâs physically or emotionally!) for a water bath, accidentally over-baking or under-baking it, exceptionally long cooling and chilling times, plus the possibility of large cracks on the surface, just make a cheesecake pie!
(Because regular cheesecake can be finicky, right?!)
I have made at least 12 of these in the past few weeks and every single taste tester, neighbor, family member, and friend has said it tastes exactly like regular cheesecake. (And thatâs because it is! Only thinner!) Youâre going to love this dessert.
And if you are in the mood for a fall inspired flavor, try
pumpkin cheesecake pie
next.
Can I Skip the Water Bath?
Yes! As if there wasnât enough to persuade you to make this cheesecake pie! You see, water baths are used to help an egg-heavy dessert like traditional cheesecake bake in a humid environment. The humidity evenly bakes the rich and creamy filling so it doesnât burn, sink, and/or crack. Since todayâs filling isnât as tall, we donât have those problems. So, skip the water bath today!
Success Tips for a Perfect Graham Cracker Crust
Weâre using my perfected graham cracker crust recipe. You need 3 ingredients including graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. The ratio of ingredients is imperative and what youâll find below (and also on the
graham cracker crust
page) yields a crisp, crumbly crust that holds shape beautifully. But whatâs more important than the ingredients is the
technique you use
to press the crust into the pan.
Over the years, Iâve learned exactly what makes and (literally) breaks a great graham cracker crust:
Use your hands first:
Press the bottom and around the sides with medium-firm pressure until the crumbs arenât moving around anymoreâyou donât want any loose crumbs. You can even use a small flat-bottomed measuring cup to help smooth out the surface.
Donât pack too tightly:
The crust needs to be compact, so it doesnât crumble apart, but not so tight that it bakes into a hard, dense crust. You really just want to pack it until the shape has set and itâs no longer crumbly.
Keep it rounded:
This sounds a bit odd, but you donât want a right angle at the bottom edges where the sides and the bottom meet. Instead, you want it a little bit rounded so it stays connected when you slice into itâso the side crust doesnât immediately separate from the bottom crust. Slide a spoon around the inside of the crust where the sides and bottom meet, to get that rounded shape.
Or you could use an
Oreo cookie crust
or
Biscoff pie crust
instead if youâd like.
Here is a photo of the rounded crust. Be sure to pre-bake this for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
Grab These 6 Ingredients for the Filling:
Bricks of Cream Cheese:
Philadelphia cream cheese isnât affiliated with this post, but it IS my favorite cream cheese brand. Whichever brand you use, make sure youâre using bricks of full-fat cream cheese and not the cream cheese in a tub you would use for spreading on bagels. Same rule applies when makingÂ
cream cheese frosting
andÂ
strawberry cream cheese pie
.
Granulated Sugar
: Youâll love that this cheesecake isnât overly sweet.
Vanilla sugar
would be great here.
Sour Cream:
My team and I tested this cheesecake pie several (several!!!!) times and there was a major difference between the pies with sour cream and the pies without sour cream. You need 1/4 cup of sour cream to help bind the ingredients together and smooth out the filling so it tastes creamy. Without it, the filling tasted like cream cheese, not cheesecake.
Vanilla Extract:
Feel free to use
homemade vanilla extract
in this pie!
Lemon Juice:
A splash of lemon juice adds freshness and depth of flavorâI recommend you donât leave it out. This cheesecake pie does not taste like
lemon cheesecake
.
Eggs:
A main ingredient in any baked cheesecake! Careful not to over-mix these, and be sure to add them right at the end.
Pour the filling into the warm pre-baked crust, and then bake:
Can I Add Chocolate Chips to the Filling?
I have no idea if anyone would even ask this question, but I love chocolate chips in cheesecakes and the answer is YES! Feel free to add 3/4 cups mini or regular semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter. (What we do when making
amaretto cheesecake
.) This version would be tasty served with
salted caramel
on top.
Cooling & Chilling Is a Breeze
You know how you have to wait a few hours for a regular cheesecake to cool and then you have to wait some more for it to chill in the refrigerator? Youâre doing the same thing here, only in a fraction of the time. The cheesecake cools for about 1 hour at room temperature (no need to let it cool in the oven like some cheesecake recipes!) and then you chill it for about 2â3 hours before serving.
Low-maintenance cheesecake!
What to Serve With Cheesecake Pie
Print
Description
This is regular cheesecake⌠made easier! Enjoy a creamy, velvety smooth filling with a crispy, crunchy graham cracker crust. Skip the water bath and use a pie dish instead of a springform pan. Feel free to serve with optional toppings listed in recipe Note.
Graham Cracker Crust
1
and 1/2 cups (
180g
)
graham cracker crumbs
(about 12 full sheet graham crackers)
1/4 cup
(
50g
)
granulated sugar
6 Tablespoons
(
85g
)
unsalted butter
, melted
Filling
16 ounces
(
452g
) full-fat brick
cream cheese
, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup
(
100g
)
granulated sugar
1/4 cup
(
60g
) full-fat
sour cream
, at room temperature
1 teaspoon
pure
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
fresh
lemon juice
2
large
eggs
, at room temperature
optional for topping:
raspberry dessert sauce
, fresh raspberries, &
whipped cream
Cook Mode
Prevent your screen from going dark
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
Make the crust:
If youâre starting out with full graham crackers, use aÂ
food processor
or blender to grind them into fine crumbs. Stir the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar together in a medium bowl, and then stir in the melted butter. The mixture will be thick, coarse, and sandy. Try to smash/break up any large chunks. Pour the mixture into an ungreased
9-inch pie dish
. With medium pressure using your hand, pat the crumbs down into the bottom and up the sides to make a compact crust. Do not pack down with heavy force because that makes the crust too hard. Simply pat down until the mixture is no longer crumby/crumbly.
Tips:
You can use a small flat-bottomed measuring cup to help press down the bottom crust and smooth out the surface, but do not pack down too hard. And run a spoon around the bottom âcornerâ where the edge and bottom meet to help make a rounded crustâ âthis helps prevent the crust from falling apart. For more shaping technique tips, see the
graham cracker crust
recipe page.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Make the filling in the next step as the crust bakes.
Make the filling:
Using a
handheld
orÂ
stand mixer
fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, and then beat until fully combined and very smooth. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed to combineâ âyou donât want any lumps. Then on medium speed, add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until just blended. After the second egg is incorporated into the batter, stop mixing. If you still see some lumps at this point, switch to a whisk and whisk by hand just until you break up the large lumps. Some small lumps are OK.
Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and spread the cheesecake filling into the warm crust.
Bake the pie for 35 minutes or until the center is almost set. Check it at the 25-minute mark, and if itâs browning too quickly on top and around the edges, tent it with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Set the pie on a wire rack and cool for 1 hour at room temperature. Then place it in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours and up to 2 days before serving. (Cover if chilling it for longer than a few hours.)
Feel free to garnish the pie with any of the optional toppings listed in the notes right before or a couple hours before serving. (Keep pie refrigerated if you decorate it and plan to serve later.) I use aÂ
squeeze bottle
to drizzle
raspberry sauce
on top and a
piping bag
fitted with
Wilton 1M piping tip
 to zigzag whipped cream on top. For neat slices, use a clean sharp knife, and wipe the knife clean between each slice.
Tip:
The first slice is never pretty! Much easier to slice after that first piece is out.
Cover and store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
Make Ahead Instructions:
This cheesecake pie can be made up to 2 days in advance. See step 7. Itâs best if the crust is still a bit warm when you pour in the filling, so I donât recommend pre-baking the crust in advance. You can also freeze the baked and cooled cheesecake for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Special Tools
(affiliate links):
Food Processor
 |
Glass Mixing Bowl
|
9-inch Pie Dish
| Electric Mixer (
Stand Mixer
or
Handheld
) |
Cooling Rack
Oreo Cookie Crust:
You can use an
Oreo cookie crust
instead of a graham cracker crust.
Toppings:
My favorite toppings for this pie are
raspberry sauce
, fresh raspberries, and
whipped cream
, which are pictured in the post. You can also top the baked and cooled cheesecake with
salted caramel
,
lemon curd
,
strawberry topping
,
chocolate ganache
, or
red wine chocolate ganache
.
Room Temperature Ingredients:
Bring all cold ingredients to room temperature before beginning. Room temperature ingredients combine quickly and evenly, so you wonât risk over-mixing. Also, beating cold ingredients together will result in a chunky cheesecake filling, hardly the way you want to begin!
Non-US Readers:
If graham crackers are not available where you live, we have also tested this pie with a crust made from digestive biscuits, and it turned out great. Use 200g ground digestive biscuit crumbs (about 2 cups; 13â14 biscuits), 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar, and 6 Tablespoons (85g) melted butter. Pre-bake the crust for a bit longer, about 12â14 minutes. And from what I understand, spreadable cream cheese sold in a tub in countries outside of the US is a little different from the spreadable cream cheese in the US. Itâs thicker, sturdier, and more solid and should be OK to make this pie. I have no experience with it, but this is what Iâve heard from other non-US readers. If you try it, let us know how it turns out! |
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[Recipes](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/recipe-index/) ¡ [Cheesecake](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/category/cheesecake) ¡ Easy Cheesecake Pie
# Easy Cheesecake Pie
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Author: [Sally McKenney](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/about-sally-mckenney/)
Published: 08/17/2022
*This **easy cheesecake pie** is perfect for cheesecake lovers who want a quicker, easier alternative to making a classic cheesecake. The smooth and creamy filling is made of just 6 simple ingredients, and thereâs no springform pan or water bath step required. Itâs delicious on its own, or you can top it with [raspberry sauce](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/raspberry-dessert-sauce/), [whipped cream](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-whipped-cream/), [hot fudge](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-hot-fudge-sauce/), [lemon curd](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/how-to-make-lemon-curd/), fresh berries, or [salted caramel](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-salted-caramel-recipe/)*.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our [disclosure policy](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/disclosure-policy/).
This pie recipe wasnât actually in my original plan for posting on the website, but it just kind of⌠happened. I was working on perfecting the recipe and technique for [graham cracker crust](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/how-to-make-a-perfect-graham-cracker-crust/), and needed something easy and reliable to use on repeat for a filling⌠approximately 75 cheesecake pies later, I thought: *Well, I should probably share this recipe, too\!*
> **One reader, Jeff, commented:** â*I made this and it is one of the best cheesecakes I have had. It is easy and has a very New York cheesecake flavor. I make a lot of water bath cheesecakes and I found this to be just as creamy and flavorful as any others I have made. â
â
â
â
â
*â
## Hereâs Why Youâll Love This Easy Cheesecake Pie
- *Itâs cheesecake⌠without the fuss*
- *Batter & crust come together quickly*
- *Same velvety, creamy texture and tangy-sweet taste as my classic [cheesecake](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/classic-cheesecake/)*
- *6 simple ingredients, plus a 3-ingredient graham cracker crust*
- *Bakes and cools much faster than a regular cheesecake*
- *Itâs very adaptable to taste and season, depending on toppings*


## What Is the Difference Between Cheesecake and Cheesecake Pie?
**Todayâs cheesecake pie is like a regular cheesecake,** only (1) the filling layer isnât as thick and tall and (2) you bake it in a pie dish instead of a springform pan. Basically, the taste and texture are the same, but you donât have as much filling in each bite.
If youâre in the mood for real, classic cheesecake⌠definitely put in the time and effort to make a real, [classic cheesecake](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/classic-cheesecake/). However, if you love cheesecake and donât have the energy (whether thatâs physically or emotionally!) for a water bath, accidentally over-baking or under-baking it, exceptionally long cooling and chilling times, plus the possibility of large cracks on the surface, just make a cheesecake pie\!
*(Because regular cheesecake can be finicky, right?!)*
I have made at least 12 of these in the past few weeks and every single taste tester, neighbor, family member, and friend has said it tastes exactly like regular cheesecake. (And thatâs because it is! Only thinner!) Youâre going to love this dessert.
And if you are in the mood for a fall inspired flavor, try [pumpkin cheesecake pie](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-pie/) next.
***
## Can I Skip the Water Bath?
Yes! As if there wasnât enough to persuade you to make this cheesecake pie! You see, water baths are used to help an egg-heavy dessert like traditional cheesecake bake in a humid environment. The humidity evenly bakes the rich and creamy filling so it doesnât burn, sink, and/or crack. Since todayâs filling isnât as tall, we donât have those problems. So, skip the water bath today\!

## Success Tips for a Perfect Graham Cracker Crust
Weâre using my perfected graham cracker crust recipe. You need 3 ingredients including graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. The ratio of ingredients is imperative and what youâll find below (and also on the [graham cracker crust](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/how-to-make-a-perfect-graham-cracker-crust/) page) yields a crisp, crumbly crust that holds shape beautifully. But whatâs more important than the ingredients is the **technique you use** to press the crust into the pan.
Over the years, Iâve learned exactly what makes and (literally) breaks a great graham cracker crust:
1. **Use your hands first:** Press the bottom and around the sides with medium-firm pressure until the crumbs arenât moving around anymoreâyou donât want any loose crumbs. You can even use a small flat-bottomed measuring cup to help smooth out the surface.
2. **Donât pack too tightly:** The crust needs to be compact, so it doesnât crumble apart, but not so tight that it bakes into a hard, dense crust. You really just want to pack it until the shape has set and itâs no longer crumbly.
3. **Keep it rounded:** This sounds a bit odd, but you donât want a right angle at the bottom edges where the sides and the bottom meet. Instead, you want it a little bit rounded so it stays connected when you slice into itâso the side crust doesnât immediately separate from the bottom crust. Slide a spoon around the inside of the crust where the sides and bottom meet, to get that rounded shape.
Or you could use an [Oreo cookie crust](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/oreo-cookie-crust/) or [Biscoff pie crust](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/biscoff-pie-crust/) instead if youâd like.
Here is a photo of the rounded crust. Be sure to pre-bake this for 10 minutes before adding the filling.

***
## Grab These 6 Ingredients for the Filling:

1. **Bricks of Cream Cheese:** Philadelphia cream cheese isnât affiliated with this post, but it IS my favorite cream cheese brand. Whichever brand you use, make sure youâre using bricks of full-fat cream cheese and not the cream cheese in a tub you would use for spreading on bagels. Same rule applies when making [cream cheese frosting](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/favorite-cream-cheese-frosting/) and [strawberry cream cheese pie](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/strawberry-cream-cheese-pie/).
2. **Granulated Sugar**: Youâll love that this cheesecake isnât overly sweet. [Vanilla sugar](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-vanilla-sugar/) would be great here.
3. **Sour Cream:** My team and I tested this cheesecake pie several (several!!!!) times and there was a major difference between the pies with sour cream and the pies without sour cream. You need 1/4 cup of sour cream to help bind the ingredients together and smooth out the filling so it tastes creamy. Without it, the filling tasted like cream cheese, not cheesecake.
4. **Vanilla Extract:** Feel free to use [homemade vanilla extract](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-vanilla-extract/) in this pie\!
5. **Lemon Juice:** A splash of lemon juice adds freshness and depth of flavorâI recommend you donât leave it out. This cheesecake pie does not taste like [lemon cheesecake](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/lemon-cheesecake-recipe/).
6. **Eggs:** A main ingredient in any baked cheesecake! Careful not to over-mix these, and be sure to add them right at the end.
***
**Pour the filling into the warm pre-baked crust, and then bake:**



## Can I Add Chocolate Chips to the Filling?
I have no idea if anyone would even ask this question, but I love chocolate chips in cheesecakes and the answer is YES! Feel free to add 3/4 cups mini or regular semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter. (What we do when making [amaretto cheesecake](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/amaretto-cheesecake/).) This version would be tasty served with [salted caramel](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-salted-caramel-recipe/) on top.
***
## Cooling & Chilling Is a Breeze
You know how you have to wait a few hours for a regular cheesecake to cool and then you have to wait some more for it to chill in the refrigerator? Youâre doing the same thing here, only in a fraction of the time. The cheesecake cools for about 1 hour at room temperature (no need to let it cool in the oven like some cheesecake recipes!) and then you chill it for about 2â3 hours before serving.
Low-maintenance cheesecake\!


## What to Serve With Cheesecake Pie
You can, of course, serve the cheesecake pie plain, but I like to add [raspberry sauce](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/raspberry-dessert-sauce/), [whipped cream](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-whipped-cream/), and fresh raspberries. Or you can spruce it up with:
- [Salted caramel](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-salted-caramel-recipe/)
- Blueberry sauce/swirl from [blueberry swirl cheesecake](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/blueberry-swirl-cheesecake/) *(you can prepare a blueberry swirl cheesecake pie by using the same swirling instructions in that recipe)*
- [Chocolate ganache](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/chocolate-ganache/) or [red wine chocolate ganache](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/red-wine-chocolate-ganache/)
- [Strawberry sauce](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-strawberry-topping/)
- [Lemon curd](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/how-to-make-lemon-curd/)
- Brown sugar pecan topping from [pecan pie cheesecake](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/pecan-pie-cheesecake/)
- We slightly scaled down the filling to make room for extra toppings in this [caramel apple cheesecake pie](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/caramel-apple-cheesecake-pie/)
Talk about a versatile [dessert recipe](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/category/desserts/)\!
[Print](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/print/110702/)
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## Easy Cheesecake Pie
*5 Stars* *4 Stars* *3 Stars* *2 Stars* *1 Star*
4\.9 from 82 reviews
- Author: [Sally McKenney](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/about-sally-mckenney/)
- Prep Time:
20 minutes
- Cook Time:
45 minutes (includes crust pre-bake)
- Total Time:
4 hours
- Yield:
one 9-inch pie
- Category:
Dessert
- Method:
Baking
- Cuisine:
American
[Print Recipe](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/print/110702/)
[Save Recipe Recipe Saved]()
***
### Description
*This is regular cheesecake⌠made easier! Enjoy a creamy, velvety smooth filling with a crispy, crunchy graham cracker crust. Skip the water bath and use a pie dish instead of a springform pan. Feel free to serve with optional toppings listed in recipe Note.*
***
### Ingredients
#### Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) **graham cracker crumbs** (about 12 full sheet graham crackers)
- 1/4 cup (50g) **granulated sugar**
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) **unsalted butter**, melted
#### Filling
- 16 ounces (452g) full-fat brick **cream cheese**, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) **granulated sugar**
- 1/4 cup (60g) full-fat **sour cream**, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon **pure** **vanilla extract**
- 1 teaspoon fresh **lemon juice**
- 2 large **eggs**, at room temperature
- **optional for topping:** [raspberry dessert sauce](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/raspberry-dessert-sauce/), fresh raspberries, & [whipped cream](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-whipped-cream/)
Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark
***
### Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. **Make the crust:** If youâre starting out with full graham crackers, use a [food processor](https://amzn.to/3zNDEZw) or blender to grind them into fine crumbs. Stir the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar together in a medium bowl, and then stir in the melted butter. The mixture will be thick, coarse, and sandy. Try to smash/break up any large chunks. Pour the mixture into an ungreased [9-inch pie dish](https://amzn.to/4ulFoVt). With medium pressure using your hand, pat the crumbs down into the bottom and up the sides to make a compact crust. Do not pack down with heavy force because that makes the crust too hard. Simply pat down until the mixture is no longer crumby/crumbly. ***Tips:** You can use a small flat-bottomed measuring cup to help press down the bottom crust and smooth out the surface, but do not pack down too hard. And run a spoon around the bottom âcornerâ where the edge and bottom meet to help make a rounded crustâ âthis helps prevent the crust from falling apart. For more shaping technique tips, see the [graham cracker crust](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/how-to-make-a-perfect-graham-cracker-crust/) recipe page.*
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Make the filling in the next step as the crust bakes.
4. **Make the filling:** Using a [handheld](https://amzn.to/3dBQItB) or [stand mixer](https://amzn.to/3QsPcbD) fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, and then beat until fully combined and very smooth. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed to combineâ âyou donât want any lumps. Then on medium speed, add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until just blended. After the second egg is incorporated into the batter, stop mixing. If you still see some lumps at this point, switch to a whisk and whisk by hand just until you break up the large lumps. Some small lumps are OK.
5. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and spread the cheesecake filling into the warm crust.
6. Bake the pie for 35 minutes or until the center is almost set. Check it at the 25-minute mark, and if itâs browning too quickly on top and around the edges, tent it with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
7. Set the pie on a wire rack and cool for 1 hour at room temperature. Then place it in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours and up to 2 days before serving. (Cover if chilling it for longer than a few hours.)
8. Feel free to garnish the pie with any of the optional toppings listed in the notes right before or a couple hours before serving. (Keep pie refrigerated if you decorate it and plan to serve later.) I use a [squeeze bottle](https://amzn.to/2D5W0ID) to drizzle [raspberry sauce](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/raspberry-dessert-sauce/) on top and a [piping bag](https://amzn.to/3oPTFKq) fitted with [Wilton 1M piping tip](https://amzn.to/3su0AJU) to zigzag whipped cream on top. For neat slices, use a clean sharp knife, and wipe the knife clean between each slice. ***Tip:** The first slice is never pretty! Much easier to slice after that first piece is out.*
9. Cover and store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
### Notes
1. **Make Ahead Instructions:** This cheesecake pie can be made up to 2 days in advance. See step 7. Itâs best if the crust is still a bit warm when you pour in the filling, so I donât recommend pre-baking the crust in advance. You can also freeze the baked and cooled cheesecake for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
2. **Special Tools** (affiliate links): [Food Processor](https://amzn.to/3SOhaQV) \| [Glass Mixing Bowl](https://amzn.to/3mPQvWq) \| [9-inch Pie Dish](https://amzn.to/4ulFoVt) \| Electric Mixer ([Stand Mixer](https://amzn.to/3QsPcbD) or [Handheld](https://amzn.to/3dBQItB)) \| [Cooling Rack](http://amzn.to/2gT7aW9)
3. **Oreo Cookie Crust:** You can use an [Oreo cookie crust](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/oreo-cookie-crust/) instead of a graham cracker crust.
4. **Toppings:** My favorite toppings for this pie are [raspberry sauce](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/raspberry-dessert-sauce/), fresh raspberries, and [whipped cream](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-whipped-cream/), which are pictured in the post. You can also top the baked and cooled cheesecake with [salted caramel](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-salted-caramel-recipe/), [lemon curd](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/how-to-make-lemon-curd/), [strawberry topping](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-strawberry-topping/), [chocolate ganache](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/chocolate-ganache/), or [red wine chocolate ganache](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/red-wine-chocolate-ganache/).
5. **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Bring all cold ingredients to room temperature before beginning. Room temperature ingredients combine quickly and evenly, so you wonât risk over-mixing. Also, beating cold ingredients together will result in a chunky cheesecake filling, hardly the way you want to begin\!
6. **Non-US Readers:** If graham crackers are not available where you live, we have also tested this pie with a crust made from digestive biscuits, and it turned out great. Use 200g ground digestive biscuit crumbs (about 2 cups; 13â14 biscuits), 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar, and 6 Tablespoons (85g) melted butter. Pre-bake the crust for a bit longer, about 12â14 minutes. And from what I understand, spreadable cream cheese sold in a tub in countries outside of the US is a little different from the spreadable cream cheese in the US. Itâs thicker, sturdier, and more solid and should be OK to make this pie. I have no experience with it, but this is what Iâve heard from other non-US readers. If you try it, let us know how it turns out\!
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About the Author
## Sally McKenney
Sally McKenney is a baker, food photographer, and New York Times best-selling author. Her kitchen-tested recipes and step-by-step tutorials have given millions of readers the knowledge and confidence to bake from scratch. Sallyâs work has been featured on TODAY, Good Morning America, Taste of Home, People, and more.
[Read More](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/about-sally-mckenney/)
## Leave a Comment [Cancel reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#respond)
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## Reader Comments and Reviews
1. Charlotte says:
April 4, 2026
Hey Sally\!
I have made and absolutely love your cheesecake pie recipe! My partner says itâs the best heâs ever had.
I was wondering if the results would be the same if I used an 8 inch springform with a water bath. Ive looked at your classic cheesecake recipe and noticed that the ratio of ingredients is different, and would like your input\!
Thanks in advance\!
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1473449)
1. Trina @ Sally's Baking says:
April 5, 2026
Hi Charlotte, we have note tested baking this cheesecake pie in an 8 inch springform pan, but imagine that should work â let us know if you try! So glad you enjoy this recipe.
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1473853)
2. Elaine says:
March 13, 2026
Can I hand mix instead of using a stand mixer?
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1463722)
1. Trina @ Sally's Baking says:
March 13, 2026
Absolutely\!
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1463724)
3. Susan Berlack says:
March 13, 2026
I made this pie and the crust with a sugar substitute (Splenda Bakers Magic) and it was fabulous! I have made the recipe in both a 9âł pie pan and in mini pie pans. Both turned out great.
The raspberry topping is super easy to make and really makes the cheesecake next level.
thanks again, Sally\!
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1462898)
4. Sherice Bland says:
March 5, 2026
Hi Sally, Iâm a T1D and I wanted to know can i substitute thr granulated sugar for splenda.
Another question is do you have any plans on making desserts low carb & low sugar?
I really enjoy your recipes but sometimes find it hard when trying to make it more T1D friendly.
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1453553)
1. Lexi @ Sally's Baking says:
March 6, 2026
Hi Sherice! Weâd love to help but we are not trained in baking with sugar substitutes. For best taste and texture (and so you donât waste your time trying to adapt our recipes since they may not work properly), it may be more useful to find recipes that are specifically formulated for sugar substitutes. Or if you are interested, we have a collection of [healthier recipes](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/category/healthy-recipes/) that may fit your needs. Thank you\!
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1457028)
5. Sherry says:
March 3, 2026
The first time I made this it was perfect! The second time⌠the filling rose real big and cracked. I think I followed the directions exactly, both times. What makes it rise, is it how much you beat the eggs in? I tried my best to make sure I didnât overmix it after I got them in⌠BTW your recipes and videos are the best!!\!
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1450212)
1. Lexi @ Sally's Baking says:
March 4, 2026
Hi Sherry, over mixing the batter is often the culprit for cheesecakes that rise and crack. This post on [how to prevent cracks in cheesecake](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/prevent-cracks-cheesecake/) will be helpful for troubleshooting, too\!
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1450319)
6. Carol says:
February 19, 2026
I have tried this recipe twice now. The first time, I used half the sugar and replaced the other half with monkfruit. I also used a store bought graham cracker crust that I sprinkled cinnamon on. My son -in-law said it was my best cheesecake ever! Tonight I made it again for his birthday. So far so good..we will have it tomorrow. Itâs quick and easy to make. Thanks Sally!\!
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1444943)
7. Linda says:
February 15, 2026
I may never bake a regular cheesecake again! This was delicious and hit all the notes for a perfect dessert. I had seven people for dinner and they all loved it. Sadly, there were no leftovers.
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1443240)
8. Erin Ostrowski says:
January 27, 2026
If I want to make this a chocolate cheesecake pie, would all the measurements stay the same? How much melted chocolate do you think Iâd use?
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1425324)
1. Trina @ Sally's Baking says:
January 27, 2026
Hi Erin, we havenât tested a chocolate version (either with cocoa powder or melted chocolate in the batter), but let us know if you try anything. It would be fantastic with [chocolate ganache](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/chocolate-ganache/) on top\!
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1425326)
9. Dawn says:
January 19, 2026
Hello! We have a celiac granddaughter that loves cheesecake. Iâd like to try this recipe for her. I was wondering if you think the steps you have for making the graham cracker crust would vary a bit if I used crushed gluten-free graham crackers (i.e. less/more butter, etc.)
Thanks in advance for responding. Want to give this a trial run this weekend\!
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1418564)
1. Stephanie @ Sally's Baking says:
January 20, 2026
Hi Dawn, we havenât tested this crust with gluten-free graham crackers, but we imagine it should work just fine as written. Let us know if you give it a try\!
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1418777)
1. Marion says:
January 23, 2026
When I use gf graham crackers I find they work better if you add a bit of almond flour to the mix. Gf graham crackers tend to get very hard when baked in a cheesecake.
2. LS says:
January 22, 2026
Absolutely phenomenal and so much simpler than traditional cheesecake. 10/10!!\!
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1419864)
10. Marcia says:
January 16, 2026
My daughter canât eat dairy, so I substituted dairy-free cream cheese (Tofutti) and sour cream (Forager). I used Earth Balance instead of butter in the grahm cracker crust. The pie was beautiful and very tasty. I served it with coconut cream and strawberries.
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1413396)
11. Mariah says:
January 16, 2026
Can I use a premade crust from the store?
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1413180)
1. Lexi @ Sally's Baking says:
January 16, 2026
Absolutely.
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1413186)
1. Landry says:
February 28, 2026
hi, does using a pre made crust change the bake time? if so, please advise. thank you kindly đ
2. Beth @ Sally's Baking says:
February 28, 2026
Hi Landry, no, it shouldnât change the bake time. Enjoy\!
12. Erica says:
January 10, 2026
For anyone lactose intolerant, I made this with green valley lactose free cream cheese and it turned out great! I just drained the tubs of cream cheese in a sieve over a bowl for about an hour (ended up with a tbsp of liquid), and added an egg yolk for structure. Fantastic recipe\!
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1410173)
13. Joan says:
December 30, 2025
How can you tell if ther cheese cake is cooked enough
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1406059)
1. Trina @ Sally's Baking says:
December 30, 2025
Hi Joan! Give the dish a gentle shake, you want the center to be almost set with the very slight wiggle.
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1406098)
14. Christina says:
December 30, 2025
Can I substitute sour cream for yogurt? Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream due to it being scarce in where I live
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1405926)
1. Trina @ Sally's Baking says:
December 30, 2025
Hi Christina, you can use plain yogurt instead of sour cream here. Enjoy\!
[Reply](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/#comment-1405941)
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About the Author
## Sally McKenney
Sally McKenney is a baker, food photographer, and New York Times best-selling author. Her kitchen-tested recipes and step-by-step tutorials have given millions of readers the knowledge and confidence to bake from scratch. Sallyâs work has been featured on TODAY, Good Morning America, Taste of Home, People, and more.
[Read More](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/about-sally-mckenney/)
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| Readable Markdown | *This **easy cheesecake pie** is perfect for cheesecake lovers who want a quicker, easier alternative to making a classic cheesecake. The smooth and creamy filling is made of just 6 simple ingredients, and thereâs no springform pan or water bath step required. Itâs delicious on its own, or you can top it with [raspberry sauce](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/raspberry-dessert-sauce/), [whipped cream](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-whipped-cream/), [hot fudge](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-hot-fudge-sauce/), [lemon curd](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/how-to-make-lemon-curd/), fresh berries, or [salted caramel](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-salted-caramel-recipe/)*.

This pie recipe wasnât actually in my original plan for posting on the website, but it just kind of⌠happened. I was working on perfecting the recipe and technique for [graham cracker crust](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/how-to-make-a-perfect-graham-cracker-crust/), and needed something easy and reliable to use on repeat for a filling⌠approximately 75 cheesecake pies later, I thought: *Well, I should probably share this recipe, too\!*
> **One reader, Jeff, commented:** â*I made this and it is one of the best cheesecakes I have had. It is easy and has a very New York cheesecake flavor. I make a lot of water bath cheesecakes and I found this to be just as creamy and flavorful as any others I have made. â
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## Hereâs Why Youâll Love This Easy Cheesecake Pie
- *Itâs cheesecake⌠without the fuss*
- *Batter & crust come together quickly*
- *Same velvety, creamy texture and tangy-sweet taste as my classic [cheesecake](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/classic-cheesecake/)*
- *6 simple ingredients, plus a 3-ingredient graham cracker crust*
- *Bakes and cools much faster than a regular cheesecake*
- *Itâs very adaptable to taste and season, depending on toppings*


## What Is the Difference Between Cheesecake and Cheesecake Pie?
**Todayâs cheesecake pie is like a regular cheesecake,** only (1) the filling layer isnât as thick and tall and (2) you bake it in a pie dish instead of a springform pan. Basically, the taste and texture are the same, but you donât have as much filling in each bite.
If youâre in the mood for real, classic cheesecake⌠definitely put in the time and effort to make a real, [classic cheesecake](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/classic-cheesecake/). However, if you love cheesecake and donât have the energy (whether thatâs physically or emotionally!) for a water bath, accidentally over-baking or under-baking it, exceptionally long cooling and chilling times, plus the possibility of large cracks on the surface, just make a cheesecake pie\!
*(Because regular cheesecake can be finicky, right?!)*
I have made at least 12 of these in the past few weeks and every single taste tester, neighbor, family member, and friend has said it tastes exactly like regular cheesecake. (And thatâs because it is! Only thinner!) Youâre going to love this dessert.
And if you are in the mood for a fall inspired flavor, try [pumpkin cheesecake pie](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-pie/) next.
***
## Can I Skip the Water Bath?
Yes! As if there wasnât enough to persuade you to make this cheesecake pie! You see, water baths are used to help an egg-heavy dessert like traditional cheesecake bake in a humid environment. The humidity evenly bakes the rich and creamy filling so it doesnât burn, sink, and/or crack. Since todayâs filling isnât as tall, we donât have those problems. So, skip the water bath today\!

## Success Tips for a Perfect Graham Cracker Crust
Weâre using my perfected graham cracker crust recipe. You need 3 ingredients including graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. The ratio of ingredients is imperative and what youâll find below (and also on the [graham cracker crust](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/how-to-make-a-perfect-graham-cracker-crust/) page) yields a crisp, crumbly crust that holds shape beautifully. But whatâs more important than the ingredients is the **technique you use** to press the crust into the pan.
Over the years, Iâve learned exactly what makes and (literally) breaks a great graham cracker crust:
1. **Use your hands first:** Press the bottom and around the sides with medium-firm pressure until the crumbs arenât moving around anymoreâyou donât want any loose crumbs. You can even use a small flat-bottomed measuring cup to help smooth out the surface.
2. **Donât pack too tightly:** The crust needs to be compact, so it doesnât crumble apart, but not so tight that it bakes into a hard, dense crust. You really just want to pack it until the shape has set and itâs no longer crumbly.
3. **Keep it rounded:** This sounds a bit odd, but you donât want a right angle at the bottom edges where the sides and the bottom meet. Instead, you want it a little bit rounded so it stays connected when you slice into itâso the side crust doesnât immediately separate from the bottom crust. Slide a spoon around the inside of the crust where the sides and bottom meet, to get that rounded shape.
Or you could use an [Oreo cookie crust](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/oreo-cookie-crust/) or [Biscoff pie crust](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/biscoff-pie-crust/) instead if youâd like.
Here is a photo of the rounded crust. Be sure to pre-bake this for 10 minutes before adding the filling.

***
## Grab These 6 Ingredients for the Filling:

1. **Bricks of Cream Cheese:** Philadelphia cream cheese isnât affiliated with this post, but it IS my favorite cream cheese brand. Whichever brand you use, make sure youâre using bricks of full-fat cream cheese and not the cream cheese in a tub you would use for spreading on bagels. Same rule applies when making [cream cheese frosting](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/favorite-cream-cheese-frosting/) and [strawberry cream cheese pie](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/strawberry-cream-cheese-pie/).
2. **Granulated Sugar**: Youâll love that this cheesecake isnât overly sweet. [Vanilla sugar](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-vanilla-sugar/) would be great here.
3. **Sour Cream:** My team and I tested this cheesecake pie several (several!!!!) times and there was a major difference between the pies with sour cream and the pies without sour cream. You need 1/4 cup of sour cream to help bind the ingredients together and smooth out the filling so it tastes creamy. Without it, the filling tasted like cream cheese, not cheesecake.
4. **Vanilla Extract:** Feel free to use [homemade vanilla extract](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-vanilla-extract/) in this pie\!
5. **Lemon Juice:** A splash of lemon juice adds freshness and depth of flavorâI recommend you donât leave it out. This cheesecake pie does not taste like [lemon cheesecake](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/lemon-cheesecake-recipe/).
6. **Eggs:** A main ingredient in any baked cheesecake! Careful not to over-mix these, and be sure to add them right at the end.
***
**Pour the filling into the warm pre-baked crust, and then bake:**



## Can I Add Chocolate Chips to the Filling?
I have no idea if anyone would even ask this question, but I love chocolate chips in cheesecakes and the answer is YES! Feel free to add 3/4 cups mini or regular semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter. (What we do when making [amaretto cheesecake](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/amaretto-cheesecake/).) This version would be tasty served with [salted caramel](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-salted-caramel-recipe/) on top.
***
## Cooling & Chilling Is a Breeze
You know how you have to wait a few hours for a regular cheesecake to cool and then you have to wait some more for it to chill in the refrigerator? Youâre doing the same thing here, only in a fraction of the time. The cheesecake cools for about 1 hour at room temperature (no need to let it cool in the oven like some cheesecake recipes!) and then you chill it for about 2â3 hours before serving.
Low-maintenance cheesecake\!


## What to Serve With Cheesecake Pie
[Print](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-pie/print/110702/)
***
### Description
*This is regular cheesecake⌠made easier! Enjoy a creamy, velvety smooth filling with a crispy, crunchy graham cracker crust. Skip the water bath and use a pie dish instead of a springform pan. Feel free to serve with optional toppings listed in recipe Note.*
***
#### Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) **graham cracker crumbs** (about 12 full sheet graham crackers)
- 1/4 cup (50g) **granulated sugar**
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) **unsalted butter**, melted
#### Filling
- 16 ounces (452g) full-fat brick **cream cheese**, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) **granulated sugar**
- 1/4 cup (60g) full-fat **sour cream**, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon **pure** **vanilla extract**
- 1 teaspoon fresh **lemon juice**
- 2 large **eggs**, at room temperature
- **optional for topping:** [raspberry dessert sauce](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/raspberry-dessert-sauce/), fresh raspberries, & [whipped cream](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-whipped-cream/)
Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark
***
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. **Make the crust:** If youâre starting out with full graham crackers, use a [food processor](https://amzn.to/3zNDEZw) or blender to grind them into fine crumbs. Stir the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar together in a medium bowl, and then stir in the melted butter. The mixture will be thick, coarse, and sandy. Try to smash/break up any large chunks. Pour the mixture into an ungreased [9-inch pie dish](https://amzn.to/4ulFoVt). With medium pressure using your hand, pat the crumbs down into the bottom and up the sides to make a compact crust. Do not pack down with heavy force because that makes the crust too hard. Simply pat down until the mixture is no longer crumby/crumbly. ***Tips:** You can use a small flat-bottomed measuring cup to help press down the bottom crust and smooth out the surface, but do not pack down too hard. And run a spoon around the bottom âcornerâ where the edge and bottom meet to help make a rounded crustâ âthis helps prevent the crust from falling apart. For more shaping technique tips, see the [graham cracker crust](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/how-to-make-a-perfect-graham-cracker-crust/) recipe page.*
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Make the filling in the next step as the crust bakes.
4. **Make the filling:** Using a [handheld](https://amzn.to/3dBQItB) or [stand mixer](https://amzn.to/3QsPcbD) fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, and then beat until fully combined and very smooth. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed to combineâ âyou donât want any lumps. Then on medium speed, add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until just blended. After the second egg is incorporated into the batter, stop mixing. If you still see some lumps at this point, switch to a whisk and whisk by hand just until you break up the large lumps. Some small lumps are OK.
5. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and spread the cheesecake filling into the warm crust.
6. Bake the pie for 35 minutes or until the center is almost set. Check it at the 25-minute mark, and if itâs browning too quickly on top and around the edges, tent it with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
7. Set the pie on a wire rack and cool for 1 hour at room temperature. Then place it in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours and up to 2 days before serving. (Cover if chilling it for longer than a few hours.)
8. Feel free to garnish the pie with any of the optional toppings listed in the notes right before or a couple hours before serving. (Keep pie refrigerated if you decorate it and plan to serve later.) I use a [squeeze bottle](https://amzn.to/2D5W0ID) to drizzle [raspberry sauce](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/raspberry-dessert-sauce/) on top and a [piping bag](https://amzn.to/3oPTFKq) fitted with [Wilton 1M piping tip](https://amzn.to/3su0AJU) to zigzag whipped cream on top. For neat slices, use a clean sharp knife, and wipe the knife clean between each slice. ***Tip:** The first slice is never pretty! Much easier to slice after that first piece is out.*
9. Cover and store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
### Notes
1. **Make Ahead Instructions:** This cheesecake pie can be made up to 2 days in advance. See step 7. Itâs best if the crust is still a bit warm when you pour in the filling, so I donât recommend pre-baking the crust in advance. You can also freeze the baked and cooled cheesecake for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
2. **Special Tools** (affiliate links): [Food Processor](https://amzn.to/3SOhaQV) \| [Glass Mixing Bowl](https://amzn.to/3mPQvWq) \| [9-inch Pie Dish](https://amzn.to/4ulFoVt) \| Electric Mixer ([Stand Mixer](https://amzn.to/3QsPcbD) or [Handheld](https://amzn.to/3dBQItB)) \| [Cooling Rack](http://amzn.to/2gT7aW9)
3. **Oreo Cookie Crust:** You can use an [Oreo cookie crust](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/oreo-cookie-crust/) instead of a graham cracker crust.
4. **Toppings:** My favorite toppings for this pie are [raspberry sauce](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/raspberry-dessert-sauce/), fresh raspberries, and [whipped cream](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-whipped-cream/), which are pictured in the post. You can also top the baked and cooled cheesecake with [salted caramel](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-salted-caramel-recipe/), [lemon curd](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/how-to-make-lemon-curd/), [strawberry topping](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-strawberry-topping/), [chocolate ganache](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/chocolate-ganache/), or [red wine chocolate ganache](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/red-wine-chocolate-ganache/).
5. **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Bring all cold ingredients to room temperature before beginning. Room temperature ingredients combine quickly and evenly, so you wonât risk over-mixing. Also, beating cold ingredients together will result in a chunky cheesecake filling, hardly the way you want to begin\!
6. **Non-US Readers:** If graham crackers are not available where you live, we have also tested this pie with a crust made from digestive biscuits, and it turned out great. Use 200g ground digestive biscuit crumbs (about 2 cups; 13â14 biscuits), 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar, and 6 Tablespoons (85g) melted butter. Pre-bake the crust for a bit longer, about 12â14 minutes. And from what I understand, spreadable cream cheese sold in a tub in countries outside of the US is a little different from the spreadable cream cheese in the US. Itâs thicker, sturdier, and more solid and should be OK to make this pie. I have no experience with it, but this is what Iâve heard from other non-US readers. If you try it, let us know how it turns out\! |
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