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I've never done this exact recipe, but have made plenty of cream cheese custard pie/tart fillings, cheese cakes, etc. and Philadelphia brand (or equal) is perfectly fine.
Miranda is a contributor at Food52.
added over 1 year agoAs with anything, the best quality you can afford is always best, but Philadelphia should work just fine.
Chances are that the recipe was tested with Philly CC. Cream cheese as we know it is an American phenomenon and that Philadelphia is the oldest company in the market making it-- since the 1850's, according to Kraft (currently owner of the brand). I know that there are some issues with gums -- no doubt not in the recipe 150 years ago, but unless the recipe specifies a brand, it's probably the right choice. (And I wouldn't call it generic -- that term goes to the store brands.)
i just made this recipe last night and used store brand low fat cream cheese. it came out fabulous!