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