This 3-Ingredient Cheesecake is rich, creamy, and incredibly simple to make. With just cream cheese, eggs, and sweetened condensed milk, you’ll have a smooth, velvety cheesecake that’s perfect for any occasion.
⏱️ Recipe Information
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45–50 minutes |
| Chill Time | 4 hours |
| Total Time | 5 hours |
| Servings | 8 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
🛒 Ingredients
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 can (14 oz / 397g) sweetened condensed milk
Optional Toppings
- Fresh strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Cherry pie filling
- Chocolate sauce
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
- Lemon zest
- Crushed cookies
- Mint leaves
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) round springform pan or line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition.
- Mix just until smooth. Avoid overmixing to reduce air bubbles.
Step 3: Fill the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until:
- The edges are set.
- The center has a slight jiggle.
Do not overbake.
Step 5: Cool
Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 6: Serve
Slice with a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between cuts.
Top with your favorite fruit or sauce before serving.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs for a silky-smooth batter.
- Mix on low speed to prevent cracks.
- Let the cheesecake cool gradually before refrigerating.
- Chill overnight for the best texture and flavor.
- Clean the knife between slices for neat presentation.
🌿 Variations
Lemon Cheesecake
Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Chocolate Cheesecake
Blend in ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder or 100g melted dark chocolate.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Mix in ½ cup pumpkin purée and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
Coffee Cheesecake
Add 1 tablespoon instant espresso dissolved in 1 teaspoon hot water.
No-Bake Version
Replace the eggs with 1 cup whipped topping and chill instead of baking (the texture will be lighter and different from a baked cheesecake).
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Fresh berries
- Berry compote
- Chocolate ganache
- Salted caramel sauce
- Espresso or coffee
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
🥡 Storage
Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
🥣 Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~340 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Cholesterol | 130mg |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 23g |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Calcium | 18% DV |
| Iron | 4% DV |
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the brands of ingredients used.
🧀 Weight Watchers (Estimated)
| Plan | Points (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| WW Points® | 10–12 Points |
Points are estimates and may vary depending on the brands used and the current WeightWatchers® plan.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the cheesecake will be less rich and slightly softer than when made with full-fat cream cheese.
Why did my cheesecake crack?
Cracks usually occur from overmixing, overbaking, or cooling too quickly. Baking until the center still has a slight jiggle and cooling gradually helps prevent this.
Do I need a water bath?
No. This simple recipe bakes well without one, but using a water bath can produce an even creamier texture and help minimize cracking.
Can I add a crust?
Absolutely! Press 1½ cups crushed graham crackers mixed with ¼ cup melted butter into the bottom of the pan and bake for 8 minutes before adding the filling.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cheesecake tastes even better after chilling overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for parties and holidays.
