Description
Classic lemon & lime cheesecake brings zesty citrus notes to a creamy dessert delight. Refreshing flavors and silky texture promise a memorable ending that guests will eagerly savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 packages (8 oz/226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsps lemon juice
- 2 tbsps lime juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Extra lemon/lime zest for garnish (optional)
- Thin lemon/lime slices (optional)
Instructions
- Crust Creation: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, pressing the mixture evenly into a 9-inch springform pan, then bake at 325F (160C) for 8 minutes to achieve a golden, crisp foundation.
- Cheesecake Filling Preparation: Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually blending in sugar, then gently incorporate eggs one at a time, maintaining a light, airy texture.
- Flavor Infusion: Enhance the mixture with sour cream, freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice, citrus zest, and vanilla extract, stirring until the filling becomes uniformly creamy and vibrant.
- Baking Process: Pour the filling into the cooled crust, creating an even surface, and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center displays a subtle jiggle, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cooling and Setting: Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open for one hour, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to solidify and develop deep flavors.
- Elegant Presentation: Garnish with delicate whipped cream, a sprinkle of citrus zest, or artfully arranged citrus slices just before serving to create a visually stunning dessert.
Notes
- Prevent Crust Crumbling: Mix graham cracker crumbs thoroughly with melted butter and sugar, pressing firmly to create a compact, stable base that won’t fall apart when slicing.
- Smooth Filling Technique: Beat cream cheese at room temperature to eliminate lumps, ensuring a velvety texture by scraping down the sides of the bowl during mixing.
- Avoid Cheesecake Cracks: Use a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the lower oven rack to create moisture, preventing surface cracks and maintaining a silky-smooth top.
- Temperature Control for Perfect Texture: Let ingredients like cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream reach room temperature before mixing to achieve a uniform, creamy consistency without overbeating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg