Description
This Lemon Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that combines the richness of cream cheese with the zesty brightness of fresh lemons. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious lemon curd topping, it’s perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home. Easy to make, this cheesecake is sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 7 oz (200 g) graham crackers or any biscuits that you like
- 6 tablespoons (90 g) unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) milk if needed
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 4 cups (900 g) cream cheese softened
- 4 eggs large
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- pinch salt
- ¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ½ cup (115 g) sour cream
- 2 tablespoons (16 g) cornstarch
- 1½ cups (360 g) lemon curd just enough to cover the cheesecake
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until fine crumbs form. Mix in the melted butter until combined, adding milk if needed. Firmly press the crumbs into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake the crust for 7–8 minutes, then let it cool.
- In a large bowl, rub lemon zest into the sugar to enhance flavor. Add softened cream cheese and beat until smooth. Incorporate eggs one by one, mixing lightly. Add vanilla, lemon juice, sour cream, salt, and cornstarch, mixing on low speed until just smooth.
- Wrap the springform pan tightly with aluminum foil to avoid water leaks. Place it in a large roasting pan and pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
- Carefully add hot water to the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake for 50–65 minutes, or until the edges are set while the center jiggles slightly.
- Turn off the oven, keeping the cheesecake inside for 1 hour. Allow it to cool at room temperature for an hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Spread chilled lemon curd over the cheesecake once it's fully cooled. Optionally garnish with lemon slices, whipped cream, or fresh berries before serving.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese, are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Wrapping the pan with double layers of aluminum foil helps prevent water from leaking into the cheesecake.
For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs or zest to the curd topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
