Pappadeaux Vanilla Cheesecake Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the creamy, rich taste of a vanilla cheesecake, and the Pappadeaux Praline Cheesecake tops the charts in my house.

You’ll start by baking a graham cracker crust, giving a perfect crunch to contrast the smooth filling.

Be sure to beat the cream cheese and brown sugar until completely smooth for that perfectly creamy texture.

Add eggs one at a time and mix them in well to keep the mixture light and airy.

A key trick is to be patient and let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent cracks.

How to Make Pappadeaux Vanilla Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
• 1/2 cup Butter (melted)
• 4 packages Cream Cheese (8 oz. each, softened)
• 1 1/4 cups Sugar
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 4 large Eggs
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 1/4 cup Heavy Cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

Grease a 9-inch springform pan and set aside.

Step 2:

In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.

Step 3:

Beat the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.

Gradually add in the sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix.

Step 4:

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until fully combined.

Step 5:

Pour the filling over the crust in the springform pan.

Bake for around 55-60 minutes or until the center is almost set.

Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.

Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight, covering it once completely cooled.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and result in a creamier texture.

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start.

Avoid Overmixing

Overmixing the batter can incorporate too much air, causing cracks.

Mix just until the ingredients are well combined.

Water Bath for Even Baking

Consider using a water bath to bake your cheesecake.

This helps to regulate the temperature and prevents cracking.

Patience is Key

Letting the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven and then in the fridge is crucial.

It helps set the structure and enhances the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Top with fresh berries or a berry compote for an added touch.

A dollop of whipped cream can also complement the rich flavor of the cheesecake.

What to Serve with Pappadeaux Vanilla Cheesecake

Fresh Berries

You can’t go wrong with a classic side of fresh berries!

A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries will add a burst of juicy flavor that’s just perfect.

The tartness of the berries nicely offsets the sweet creaminess of the cheesecake.

Dulce de Leche Drizzle

A drizzle of dulce de leche can add a rich, caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with vanilla cheesecake.

You can warm it slightly to make it easier to pour over the cheesecake.

This creates a luxurious and indulgent flavor combination.

Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls

For something fun and whimsical, cookie monster cinnamon rolls can be an exciting choice!

These rolls, loaded with cookie crumbles and sweet cinnamon, offer a playful contrast to the cheesecake’s creaminess.

They add both texture and an extra layer of sweetness.

Crushed Pistachios

Adding crushed pistachios introduces a delightful crunch and a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the cheesecake’s smooth texture.

Sprinkle them generously on top for a little bit of nutty goodness with every bite.

They also add a nice pop of color!

Citrus Salad

A refreshing citrus salad can bring a zesty twist to your dessert table.

Slices of orange, grapefruit, and a hint of mint make a bright and tangy side that contrasts beautifully with the rich vanilla cheesecake.

The fresh flavors will cleanse your palate and leave you wanting more.

Oreo Milkshake

Why not go all out with a thick and creamy Oreo milkshake?

The milkshake’s cold, smooth texture and the crunch of crushed Oreo cookies create an exciting contrast with the cheesecake.

It’s a delightful beverage that adds both fun and flavor to your dessert experience.

Variations and Substitutions

Dairy-Free and Vegan Option

You can easily make this cheesecake dairy-free by using plant-based cream cheese and milk alternatives.

Cashew cream also makes for a fantastic creamy texture.

Gluten-Free Crust

Substitute the graham cracker crust with gluten-free cookies.

Crushed almonds mixed with butter can also make a delicious, nutty crust.

Sweeteners

For a low-sugar version, replace the sugar with Monk fruit sweetener or Stevia.

Honey or agave syrup can add natural sweetness to your cheesecake.

Add-Ins and Toppings

Fold in some chocolate chips or fresh berries to the batter for added flavor and texture.

Top your cheesecake with a fruit compote or a caramel drizzle for extra flair.

Flavor Variations

Add a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a citrus twist.

A dash of almond extract can bring a unique flavor profile to your cheesecake.

How to Store Leftover Pappadeaux Vanilla Cheesecake

When you have leftover Pappadeaux Vanilla Cheesecake, you want to make sure it stays delicious and fresh!

Refrigeration

First, cover your cheesecake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.

Make sure your refrigerator is set between 36°F to 40°F.

Stored this way, your cheesecake will stay fresh for up to five days.

Freezing

To store it longer, freezing is a great option!

Wrap each slice individually with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil.

Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag.

Frozen cheesecake can last for up to two months.

Thawing

To enjoy your frozen cheesecake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

This method helps retain its creamy texture.

Make sure to keep the cheesecake covered while thawing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Remember to crush graham crackers finely! Big chunks can cause the crust to crumble and won’t hold your filling well.

Keep an eye on your oven temperature. Cheesecake is sensitive to heat, so it’s essential to follow the temperature instructions closely.

Use room temperature ingredients. Cold ingredients don’t blend well and can cause a lumpy batter.