Sunshine in Every Bite: Sunny Citrus Cheesecake Recipe

Sweet dreams meet creamy citrus cheesecake magic in this zesty dessert sensation.

Sunlight dances through orange-glazed edges, promising pure indulgence.

Delicate cream cheese layers mingle with bright tangerine notes, creating a dessert that sparkles.

Soft graham cracker crusts provide a crisp foundation for each luxurious bite.

Unexpected bursts of lemon and orange weave through smooth, silky textures.

Summer memories peek through every delectable slice, inviting playful flavor exploration.

Grab a fork and let this vibrant treat whisk you into pure culinary bliss.

Why Sunny Citrus Cheesecake Is So Bright And Zesty

• Craft a Foolproof Dessert: Perfect for home bakers of all skill levels, this citrus cheesecake recipe requires minimal technical expertise and delivers professional-looking results.
• Burst with Vibrant Flavors: Combining zesty orange, lemon, and lime creates a refreshing dessert that dances with bright, tangy notes and creamy richness.
• Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and special celebrations, this cheesecake impresses guests with its stunning citrus glaze and elegant presentation.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dessert in advance, allowing stress-free entertaining and letting flavors meld beautifully in the refrigerator overnight.

What You’ll Need For Sunny Citrus Cheesecake

• Graham Crackers: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet, crumbly foundation for the cheesecake.
• Butter: Helps bind the cracker crumbs and creates a rich, smooth texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the crust hold together.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives cheesecake its signature creamy and tangy flavor.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and provides sweetness.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create the smooth, rich texture of the cheesecake.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a silky, luxurious filling.
• Orange, Lemon, and Lime Juices: Provide bright, citrusy notes and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Orange, Lemon, and Lime Zests: Intensify the citrus flavor with their concentrated essential oils.
• Cornstarch: Helps stabilize the filling and prevent cracking.

• Orange, Lemon, and Lime Juices: Create a tangy, vibrant glaze.
• Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and helps it thicken.
• Cornstarch: Helps the glaze achieve a smooth, glossy consistency.
• Fresh Citrus Segments and Slices: Provide a fresh, decorative topping that complements the cheesecake's flavor.

How To Prepare Sunny Citrus Cheesecake

Step 1: Crush Graham Crackers

Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until they become fine, even crumbs that feel like soft sand.

Step 2: Create Crust Base

Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until the mixture holds together when pressed.

Step 3: Press Crust Into Pan

Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a springform pan, creating a smooth, compact layer.

Step 4: Chill Crust

Refrigerate the crust for 15 minutes to help it set while preparing the filling.

Step 5: Cream Cheese Preparation

Beat cream cheese in a large bowl until it becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.

Step 6: Add Sweetness

Gradually mix in sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 7: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth texture.

• Eggs
• Cream cheese
• Sugar

Step 8: Blend Creamy Ingredients

• Heavy cream
• Lemon juice
• Orange juice
• Lime juice
• Citrus zests

Step 9: Finish Filling Mixture

Sprinkle cornstarch and blend carefully, avoiding overmixing to maintain a creamy consistency.

Step 10: Fill Pan

Pour the filling over the chilled crust, using a spatula to create an even surface.

Step 11: Bake Cheesecake

Bake at 325°F for 60-70 minutes until the center is slightly wobbly but not liquid.

Step 12: Cool Gradually

Turn off oven, leave door slightly open, and let cheesecake cool slowly for one hour.

Step 13: Refrigerate

Chill cheesecake in refrigerator for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.

Step 14: Prepare Citrus Glaze

• Orange juice
• Lemon juice
• Lime juice
• Sugar
• Cornstarch

Step 15: Cook Glaze

Cook glaze over medium heat, stirring constantly until it becomes thick and translucent.

Step 16: Cool Glaze

Allow glaze to cool completely before drizzling over chilled cheesecake.

Step 17: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh citrus segments and slices. Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors.

Tips To Make Sunny Citrus Cheesecake Better

• Crush Graham Crackers Perfectly: Use a food processor for uniform, fine crumbs that create a smooth, consistent crust base.
• Prevent Cheesecake Cracks: Blend cream cheese ingredients at room temperature and avoid overmixing to maintain a silky, crack-free texture.
• Achieve Optimal Baking: Maintain low oven temperature and gradual cooling to ensure even baking and prevent surface splitting.
• Master Citrus Glaze: Whisk juices and cornstarch carefully, stirring constantly to create a clear, glossy topping without lumps.
• Serve Chilled for Best Flavor: Refrigerate cheesecake for at least 4 hours to enhance texture and allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Fun Citrus Spins For Sunny Citrus Cheesecake

• Vegan Citrus Cheesecake: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, swap eggs for silken tofu, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Use plant-based butter for crust.
• Gluten-Free Citrus Cheesecake: Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sugar Citrus Cheesecake: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the citrusy flavor profile. Consider using Greek yogurt for added protein.
• Keto-Friendly Citrus Cheesecake: Replace graham cracker crust with almond flour and crushed pecans. Use erythritol as a sugar substitute and full-fat cream cheese.

Top Pairings For Sunny Citrus Cheesecake

• Pair Zesty Citrus Cheesecake with Complementary Delights
• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that mirrors the cheesecake's citrusy notes, cutting through its rich creaminess and enhancing the dessert's tangy profile.
• Match with Sparkling Aperitif: Choose a light, effervescent prosecco or champagne that cleanses the palate and provides a delightful contrast to the dense, smooth cheesecake texture.
• Complement with Citrus Sorbet: Serve a small scoop of lemon or orange sorbet alongside the cheesecake, creating a palate-cleansing interlude that amplifies the dessert's vibrant citrus elements.

How To Store Sunny Citrus Cheesecake Properly

• Wrap cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it fresh for 3-5 days in an airtight container. Place in the coldest section of the refrigerator to maintain texture and flavor.
• Carefully wrap individual slices or whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date to track freshness.
• Transfer frozen cheesecake from freezer to refrigerator 24 hours before serving. Allow slow, gradual thawing to preserve creamy consistency and prevent moisture separation.
• Warm individual slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Sunny Citrus Cheesecake Common Questions

• Can I use bottled citrus juice instead of fresh?

Fresh juice provides better flavor and brightness. Bottled juice works in a pinch but might lack the vibrant taste and zesty notes of freshly squeezed citrus.

• How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Avoid overmixing, use room-temperature ingredients, bake in a water bath, and cool gradually. Gentle, slow baking prevents surface cracking.

• What if my cream cheese isn't room temperature?

Microwave cream cheese in 10-second intervals or let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Soft cream cheese blends more smoothly and prevents lumps.

Sunny Citrus Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours (minimum, including chilling)
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy sunshine meets zesty delight in this sunny citrus cheesecake, where Mediterranean flavors dance across a silky smooth canvas. Tangy orange and lemon notes create a refreshing dessert that whisks you to coastal bliss with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheesecake Base:

• 200g graham crackers
• 100g unsalted butter
• 30g granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling:

• 680g cream cheese
• 200g granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 120ml heavy cream
• 30ml lemon juice
• 30ml orange juice
• 15ml lime juice
• 10g lemon zest
• 5g orange zest
• 5g lime zest
• 15g cornstarch

Citrus Topping:

• 120ml orange juice
• 60ml lemon juice
• 30ml lime juice
• 50g granulated sugar
• 15g cornstarch
• Fresh orange segments
• Fresh lemon slices
• Fresh lime slices

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Instructions

1. Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor, ensuring uniform texture.
2. Melt butter and blend with cracker crumbs and sugar until mixture resembles wet sand consistency.
3. Press crumb mixture firmly into bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even, compact base.
4. Refrigerate crust for 15 minutes to solidify while preparing filling.
5. Cream room-temperature cream cheese until smooth and velvety, gradually incorporating sugar.
6. Integrate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to prevent lumps.
7. Fold in heavy cream, citrus juices, and respective zests, creating a vibrant, fragrant mixture.
8. Sprinkle cornstarch and gently blend until completely incorporated without overmixing.
9. Pour filling over chilled crust, smoothing surface with a spatula.
10. Bake at 325°F for 60-70 minutes, until center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.
11. Turn off oven, crack door, and allow cheesecake to cool gradually for one hour.
12. Chill cheesecake in refrigerator for minimum 4 hours or overnight.
13. Whisk orange, lemon, and lime juices with sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan.
14. Cook citrus glaze over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened and translucent.
15. Cool glaze completely before drizzling over chilled cheesecake.
16. Garnish with fresh citrus segments and slices for vibrant presentation.
17. Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the harmonious blend of tangy and creamy flavors.

Notes

• Crumb Crust Tip: Use a measuring cup or flat-bottomed glass to press graham cracker mixture evenly, creating a compact and uniform base for perfect texture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow cream cheese, eggs, and heavy cream to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to ensure smooth blending and prevent lumpy filling.
• Preventing Cracks: Avoid overmixing and incorporate eggs gently to minimize air bubbles, which can cause unsightly surface cracks during baking.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version of this dessert.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 438
• Sugar: 32g
• Sodium: 299mg
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 107mg