Description
Creamy lemon cheesecake delights dessert enthusiasts with its tangy, rich profile. Silky smooth texture and zesty citrus notes make this classic treat an irresistible finale to any meal you’ll savor completely.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 large eggs
Lemon Topping (Optional):
- ½ cup lemon curd
- Whipped cream, for garnish
- Lemon slices or zest, for garnish
Instructions
- Craft a buttery foundation by mixing graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, ensuring a uniform texture and consistent blend.
- Gently press the crumb mixture into a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even, compact base with uniform thickness.
- Preheat the oven to 325F (163C) and bake the crust for 10 minutes, allowing it to develop a golden, crisp structure.
- Allow the crust to cool completely, creating a sturdy foundation for the creamy filling.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar together until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
- Incorporate vibrant lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Introduce eggs individually, gently folding each into the mixture to maintain a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Carefully pour the velvety filling over the cooled crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes at 325F (163C), watching for a slightly firm center that signals perfect doneness.
- After baking, turn off the oven and crack the door, allowing the cheesecake to gradually cool and prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set and develop rich flavors.
- Once chilled, generously spread tangy lemon curd across the surface for an extra burst of citrus.
- Embellish with delicate dollops of whipped cream and optional lemon zest or fresh lemon slices for a stunning presentation.
Notes
- Prevent cracks by avoiding overmixing the cheesecake batter, which can incorporate too much air and cause splitting during baking.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free cream cheese mixture and even baking.
- Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to help maintain even temperature and prevent surface cracking.
- Customize the recipe for gluten-free diets by substituting graham crackers with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for the crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 462
- Sugar: 32.7 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 29.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 18.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40.8 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 6.8 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg