Description
A delightful dessert combining creamy cheesecake with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemons, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (240g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 7 tablespoons (98g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 and 1/2 cups (299g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (14g) lemon zest, finely grated
- 5 (8-ounce) bricks (1130g) full-fat cream cheese
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 2/3 cup (151ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup (57ml) heavy cream, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (171g) lemon curd, homemade or store-bought
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Lemon slices (optional)
- Mint sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9-inch springform pan and wrap it with aluminum foil.
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Cool while reducing the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
- In a food processor, blend together the sugar and lemon zest. Then add the cream cheese and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Add eggs and egg yolks one at a time, mixing completely after each addition. Next, add the lemon juice and heavy cream and mix well.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust, place the pan in a water bath, and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. After baking, let it cool in the oven for 45 minutes.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours or overnight for best results.
- Before serving, top your cheesecake with lemon curd, whipped cream, lemon slices, and mint sprigs if desired.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter. Do not overbeat the eggs to avoid cracks in the cheesecake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 100 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cheesecake, lemon dessert, baking, sweet and tart, refreshing dessert