Description
Lemon raspberry swirl cheesecake celebrates citrus and berry harmony with creamy indulgence. Rich layers combine tangy lemon zest and sweet raspberry puree in a luxurious dessert you’ll savor to the last delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (12 oz)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 6 tablespoons (3 fl oz) melted butter
- 2 tablespoons (1 fl oz) sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Craft a buttery foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a cohesive mixture, then firmly press into a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even base.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar until velvety smooth, gradually incorporating eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next.
- Infuse the mixture with vibrant flavor by stirring in vanilla extract, freshly grated lemon zest, and tangy lemon juice until thoroughly combined.
- Transform fresh raspberries into a silky sauce by puréeing with sugar, then meticulously strain to eliminate seeds, creating a vibrant crimson swirl.
- Gently cascade the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust, artfully dotting the surface with dollops of raspberry sauce.
- Using a thin knife, create elegant marbled patterns by delicately swirling the raspberry sauce throughout the creamy filling.
- Slide the pan into a preheated 325°F oven, allowing the cheesecake to bake for 50-60 minutes until edges are set and center maintains a gentle wobble.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to achieve perfect texture and flavor melding.
Notes
- Prevent Crust Crumbling by pressing graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the springform pan, using the back of a spoon or measuring cup for a compact base.
- Control Raspberry Swirl Pattern by adding sauce in small dollops and creating gentle figure-eight movements with a knife for beautiful, artistic marbling effects.
- Avoid Cheesecake Cracking by baking in a water bath or placing a pan of hot water on the lower oven rack to create humid baking environment.
- Customize Dietary Needs by substituting graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives and using dairy-free cream cheese for lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 363 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 183 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 81 mg