White Chocolate Lemon Curd Cheesecake

If you love a delightful combination of tangy and sweet, then the White Chocolate Lemon Curd Cheesecake is a must-try! This dessert is rich, creamy, and bursting with citrus flavor. With a crunchy graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and a tangy lemon curd topping, every bite is heavenly.

Why Make This Recipe

This cheesecake stands out for various reasons. The creamy texture and the balance of sweet white chocolate and tart lemon create a delicious contrast that pleases the palate. It’s perfect for special occasions or a casual gathering. Plus, it’s more straightforward to make than you might think, with no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

How to Make White Chocolate Lemon Curd Cheesecake

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup mini white chocolate chips
2 packages (16 oz) cream cheese, full fat
1 container (500ml) 14% fat sour cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp lemon extract
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Seeds of 1 vanilla bean
5 large eggs
3 tbsp corn starch
2 cups white chocolate, melted
Lemon curd (prepared separately)
2 cups white chocolate, finely chopped
2/3 cup heavy cream

Directions

Crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and mini chocolate chips. Press this mixture firmly into a 9-inch springform pan lined with parchment paper. Wrap the outside of the pan in foil and set aside.
Cheesecake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixer, blend the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, heavy cream, lemon extract, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla seeds until smooth. Add in the eggs and cornstarch, and blend again until well combined. Stir in the melted white chocolate. Pour this mixture over the crust in the springform pan. Place the pan in a water bath and bake for about 100 minutes, adjusting the temperature as needed.
Cool: After baking, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool slowly inside. Once cooled, chill it in the refrigerator overnight.
Lemon Curd & Ganache: While the cheesecake chills, prepare the lemon curd and let it cool. For the ganache, microwave the chopped white chocolate and heavy cream together, stirring until smooth. Chill this mixture until it thickens, then whip it until fluffy.
Assemble: Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, spread the lemon curd evenly on top. Pipe and swirl the fluffy ganache over the curd. Finally, decorate with white chocolate chips and lemon slices.

How to Serve White Chocolate Lemon Curd Cheesecake

Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve chilled. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it great for dessert after a meal or as a sweet treat on its own.

How to Store White Chocolate Lemon Curd Cheesecake

Store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to five days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make White Chocolate Lemon Curd Cheesecake

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth and creamy filling.
Use a high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor.
If you don’t have lemon extract, you can replace it with additional lemon zest and juice.

Variation

For a fruity twist, consider adding fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, between the cheesecake layer and the lemon curd.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can, but using full-fat cream cheese will yield a creamier texture.

2. What can I substitute for white chocolate?
You can substitute with dark chocolate, but the flavor will change, becoming less sweet and more intense.

3. How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, and the center still has a slight jiggle.

4. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made a day or two in advance, which can enhance the flavors. Just make sure to store it properly in the fridge.

Enjoy your White Chocolate Lemon Curd Cheesecake! It’s sure to impress family and friends alike.