Lemon Cheesecake
A refreshing and creamy Lemon Cheesecake featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, tangy lemon-infused cream cheese filling, and topped with fresh berries and whipped cream. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and zest for a delightful dessert.
- Author: Rami
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the crust and cheesecake.
- Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Form Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure to create an even layer across the base.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After baking, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely to set.
- Make Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add ½ cup granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Incorporate Sour Cream and Lemon: Stir in the sour cream, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Fill Pan: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, spreading evenly.
- Bake Cheesecake: Place the springform pan on the middle rack and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles when shaken.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cheesecake cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Serve: Before serving, top with fresh berries, whipped cream, lemon slices or zest, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake; it should have a slight jiggle in the center when done.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a more vibrant lemon flavor.
- Chilling overnight improves texture and flavor.
- Graham cracker crust can be substituted with digestive biscuits for a different taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: lemon cheesecake, lemon dessert, creamy cheesecake, graham cracker crust, fresh berries dessert