Introduction:
Indulge your taste buds with our irresistible Lemon Cheesecake recipe, a delightful marriage of tangy lemon zest and velvety creaminess. This show-stopping dessert is the perfect balance between sweet and citrus, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a luscious Lemon Cheesecake that will leave your guests craving for more.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 2 lemons
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup sour cream
For the Topping:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
Lemon slices and zest for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a mixing basin. Mix everything together until the crumbs are evenly covered.
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan, creating an even layer.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
2. Making the Filling:
Beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
Continue to beat while gradually adding the granulated sugar until fully mixed and frothy.
One at a time, beat in the eggs, making sure each one is thoroughly mixed before adding the next.
Mix in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sour cream, blending until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
3. Assembling and Baking:
Pour the creamy filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
Gently tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles and ensure an even surface.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door ajar for an additional hour to prevent cracking.
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight until it has completely cooled.
4. Creating the Topping:
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake, creating a luscious and creamy layer.
5. Garnishing and Serving:
Decorate the cheesecake with lemon slices and zest for a vibrant and citrusy presentation.
Carefully remove the springform pan sides before serving.
Slice the Lemon Cheesecake into generous portions and serve chilled.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the zesty allure of our Lemon Cheesecake recipe, where the tangy essence of lemons meets the creamy decadence of cheesecake. This dessert masterpiece is bound to captivate your taste buds and impress your guests, making every bite a memorable experience. Enjoy the perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more of this citrusy delight.
