Lemon Cheesecake Delight Recipe
Lemon Cheesecake Delight is a creamy, tangy dessert that combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth lemon-infused cream cheese filling. Topped with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a hint of lemon zest, this cheesecake offers a refreshing citrus twist perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Zane
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Filling
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Toppings
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Whipped cream
- Lemon slices or zest
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust layer. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer on medium speed. Gradually add ½ cup sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- Add eggs and sour cream: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate them fully. Next, blend in the sour cream, fresh lemon juice, and baking powder until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chilled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes or until the edges are set but the center slightly jiggles when shaken gently.
- Cool and chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set completely.
- Serve with toppings: Before serving, garnish the cheesecake with fresh berries, dollops of whipped cream, lemon slices or zest, and a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Notes
- For a smoother crust, pulse graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a lump-free filling.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best lemon flavor.
- Do not overbake; slight jiggle in the center is ideal to avoid cracks.
- Allow the cheesecake to chill thoroughly for cleaner slices when serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: lemon cheesecake, lemon dessert, cheesecake recipe, creamy cheesecake, buttery crust, fresh berries, summer dessert