Classic Nabisco Cheesecake Recipe – Rich Creamy Dessert

Every bite of a Nabisco Cheesecake Recipe is like a little celebration. The buttery Nabisco graham cracker crust holds the smooth and velvety cream cheese filling that could rival any New York cheesecake recipe but is so much more simple to just home-bake. 

I grew up witnessing the Honey Maid cheesecake recipe on the box, and it still ranks as the easiest way to make something that feels like an indulgence yet is not too complicated. 

Whether you choose to stay true to the Nabisco cheesecake recipe Philadelphia style or venture into other Nabisco graham cracker crumbs recipes, you will never fail to finish with a dessert that looks magnificent, tastes fabulous, and is surprisingly easy to make.

Why Love This Nabisco Cheesecake Recipe?

In my opinion, this one is comfortable baking at its very best. The crust consists of Nabisco graham cracker crumbs with some brown sugar, which works wonderfully against the tangy cream cheese filling. 

I like to add some lemon juice for brightness and finish it off with some big, juicy strawberries for freshness. It is one of those recipes that feels nostalgic yet fancy enough for a dinner party.

Why Homemade Cheesecake Is the Best

Nothing as good as making it from scratch would ever compare in my eyes with a homemade cheesecake versus boxed no bake cheesecake mix. 

Being homemade, it gives gardeners the liberty to maintain the texture–it should be smooth and rich and perfectly baked with good taste. Adjusting the topping shall depend on their liking, and so will the crust-take their pick of thick and thin. 

Philadelphia Cream Cheese, when used, makes a really smooth filling that, if baked slowly in a springform pan, will assure setting without cracking.

How To Prepare Nabisco Cheesecake Recipe?

Recipe Overview

This Nabisco Cheesecake Recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t need fancy tools. You’ll need a springform pan, a mixer, and simple pantry ingredients.

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Baking Time: 1 hour
• Cooling/Chilling Time: 4–6 hours (overnight is best)
• Total Time: About 7 hours
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Servings: 12 slices

Equipment

You don’t need anything fancy to make this Nabisco Cheesecake Recipe—just a few basic kitchen tools:

• 9-inch springform pan
• Mixing bowls 
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Saucepan 
• Foil (optional) 

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 ½ cups Nabisco graham cracker crumbs (Honey Maid works perfectly)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (Philadelphia recommended), softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large egg yolks
• 3 large eggs

For the Fresh Strawberry Topping:

• 3 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp strawberry jam
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.
3. Stir in melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
5. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add sugar and salt, mixing until combined.
3. Blend in sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla.
4. Add egg yolks one at a time, then mix in the whole eggs on low speed. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter airy.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
2. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet and bake for about 55–60 minutes, until the center is just set.
3. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake rest inside for 1 hour. This prevents cracks.
4. Remove, cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Topping

1. In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, salt, jam, and lemon juice.
2. Cook on medium heat for 5–6 minutes until the berries release juices and thicken slightly.
3. Cool completely before spreading over the chilled cheesecake.

Can I Use Philadelphia Instead of Cream Cheese?

Yes—you absolutely can. In fact, Philadelphia Cream Cheese is my go-to brand when I bake this cheesecake. It gives the filling a rich, smooth texture and holds up beautifully after baking. I’ve tried other brands before, but Philadelphia always seems to deliver the most consistent results. If you want that authentic, creamy Nabisco cheesecake flavor, this is the cream cheese I’d recommend.

Which Cream Is Better for Cheesecake?

There are a few options, but sour cream is the winner for this recipe. It balances the sweetness of the sugar and cream cheese with just the right amount of tang. Some bakers prefer heavy cream for a lighter filling, but I find that sour cream gives the cheesecake a more classic texture. You can even swap in Greek yogurt if that’s what you have at home—it still keeps the filling smooth and flavorful.

What Is the Secret to a Good Cheesecake?

The secret isn’t in a fancy trick—it’s in the baking method. The best cheesecakes are baked slowly at a steady temperature, then cooled gently. I always turn off the oven once the cheesecake is set and let it rest inside with the door cracked open for about an hour. This keeps the top from cracking and helps the texture stay creamy. Patience is really the key here—don’t rush the cooling or the chilling time.

Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Make Ahead: This recipe is great for planning ahead because it tastes even better the next day.

Exciting Variations and Serving Ideas

• Chocolate Twist: Add a thin layer of chocolate ganache on top before adding the strawberries.
• Cherry Pie Topping: Swap strawberries for cherry pie filling for a classic diner-style cheesecake.
• Mini Cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin lined with cupcake wrappers for individual servings.
• New York Style: Skip the fruit topping and serve with a simple sour cream topping.

Helpful Guides for Beginners

If this is your first time baking cheesecake, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here are some tips that make the process a lot easier:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps the filling mix smoothly without lumps.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the eggs, mix on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can trap air and cause cracks.
• Springform Pan Tip: Wrap the outside of your springform pan with foil if you plan to use a water bath. It prevents leaks.
• Check for Doneness: The cheesecake is ready when the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly. It will firm up as it cools.
• Be Patient with Chilling: A cheesecake always tastes better after resting in the fridge overnight. It allows the flavors to come together.

These simple steps make all the difference, especially if you’ve never made a baked cheesecake before.

FAQs

Video Tutorial

Nabisco Cheesecake Recipe

Conclusion

The Nabisco Cheesecake recipe is one of those cakes you would feel proud to serve at any party. Each variation has its little charms. 

One of my first experiences with this recipe was the box recipe for the Honey Maid cheesecake; splitting my times between the Nabisco cheesecake recipe Philadelphia style; a New York cheesecake recipe or using the Nabisco graham cracker crumbs would always be an immediate comfort.

It is a wonderfully simple Nabisco cheesecake recipe that any beginning baker can make, yet it’s such an indulgence that it will really impress your guests.

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