Description
Creamy lemon cheesecake delights with zesty citrus notes and silky smooth texture. Cool graham cracker crust and tangy filling bring refreshing summer dessert perfection for quick and effortless enjoyment.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- ½ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Lemon slices or zest for garnish
- Fresh berries (blueberries or raspberries work great)
Instructions
- Create a robust base by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and a hint of sweetness. Press the mixture compactly into the bottom of a springform pan, ensuring an even, firm foundation. Refrigerate this crust while preparing the luxurious filling.
- Transform softened cream cheese into a silky canvas by beating until completely smooth. Introduce powdered sugar, vanilla extract, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and fragrant lemon zest, blending until the mixture achieves a harmonious consistency.
- Whip heavy cream to stiff, cloud-like peaks in a separate vessel. Delicately fold the whipped cream into the lemony cheese mixture, creating a light, airy filling that promises decadent texture.
- Gently cascade the filling over the chilled crust, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a perfectly level surface. Carefully transfer the assembled dessert to the refrigerator.
- Allow the cheesecake to set and develop its flavors, letting it rest for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight. This patience ensures a firm, creamy texture that will delight your palate.
- When ready to serve, liberate the cheesecake from its pan and embellish with optional garnishes – consider a dollop of whipped cream, delicate lemon slices, a sprinkle of zest, or a scattering of vibrant fresh berries to elevate the presentation.
Notes
- Achieve a perfectly compact crust by using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
- Enhance the lemon flavor by adding an extra teaspoon of lemon zest or a splash of lemon extract for a more intense citrusy punch.
- Prevent cracks and ensure a silky-smooth texture by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, especially the cream cheese and heavy cream.
- Transform this dessert into a gluten-free option by substituting graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg