Description
This Lemon Cheesecake is creamy, zesty, and irresistibly smooth with a buttery graham cracker crust and a refreshing lemon twist. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, it’s a bright and elegant dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Lemon Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup lemon curd
- Whipped cream and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly. Turn off oven and let cheesecake cool inside with door slightly open for 1 hour.
- Remove and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, spread lemon curd over the top if using, and garnish with whipped cream and lemon slices.
Notes
- For a gluten-free crust, use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour crust.
- To prevent cracks, don’t overmix the batter and bake in a water bath if desired.
- Lemon curd topping adds an extra punch of citrus flavor and glossy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: lemon cheesecake, citrus dessert, springform cheesecake, creamy lemon cake, lemon dessert recipe, baked cheesecake