Description
Creamy lemon cheesecake brings zesty sunshine to classic dessert lovers, melding tangy citrus with rich, smooth cream cheese. Rich graham cracker crust and silky filling invite you to savor each delightful, refreshing bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 blocks (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 5 eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
- 1 cup sugar
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
Flavor and Texture Enhancers:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 10 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Craft the graham cracker base by combining crushed crackers with melted butter, firmly pressing the mixture into a springform pan’s bottom and sides.
- Parbake the crust at 325°F for approximately 10 minutes, creating a golden and crisp foundation.
- Allow the prebaked crust to cool completely while preparing the creamy filling.
- Whip cream cheese and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
- Incorporate fresh lemon juice, vibrant zest, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and all-purpose flour into the cream cheese mixture, blending until harmoniously combined.
- Gently fold eggs into the mixture, ensuring minimal beating to maintain a light, tender texture.
- Carefully pour the lemony filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly to eliminate potential air pockets.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 55-65 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center that will set during cooling.
- Remove from oven and let the cheesecake rest at room temperature for one hour to prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and texture to fully develop before serving.
Notes
- Opt for room temperature ingredients to ensure a silky smooth cheesecake texture without lumps.
- Avoid overmixing the batter, which can incorporate too much air and cause cracking during baking.
- Use a water bath technique to create a gentle, even baking environment that prevents surface cracks and promotes creamy consistency.
- Customize the recipe by experimenting with different citrus zests like lime or orange for varied flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 75 mins
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg