Description
Creamy lemon cheesecake delights palates with its zesty, smooth profile from Mediterranean culinary traditions. Rich graham cracker crust and silky filling merge for a refreshing dessert you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling Ingredients:
- 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 325F (163C) and position the rack in the center.
- Crush graham crackers and blend thoroughly with melted butter, creating a uniform mixture.
- Press the cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, ensuring an even, compact base.
- Using an electric mixer, cream the cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
- Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
- Gently fold in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract, stirring until ingredients are fully integrated.
- Transfer the creamy filling onto the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading evenly to the edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, monitoring until the center appears set and slightly firm.
- Remove cheesecake from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- Carefully spread a layer of sour cream across the top surface of the cooled cheesecake.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to allow the cheesecake to set and develop its rich, tangy flavor profile.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant and intense citrus flavor that elevates the entire cheesecake.
- Wrap the springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during baking, protecting the delicate crust.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually to prevent cracking, which can happen when temperature changes are too sudden.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg