Description
This Ultimate Creamy Lemon Cheesecake is smooth, rich, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. With a buttery crust and silky lemon-infused filling, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Lemon Topping
- 1/2 cup lemon curd
- Whipped cream for serving
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set to 325°F (160°C).
- Make crust: Combine graham crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a springform pan and bake 8–10 minutes.
- Prepare filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each.
- Mix in sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until creamy.
- Assemble: Pour filling over crust and smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes until center is just set.
- Cool: Turn off oven and crack door open; let cheesecake cool gradually, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Top with lemon curd and whipped cream if desired.
Notes
A water bath helps prevent cracks and ensures a creamy texture. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Avoid overmixing after adding eggs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: lemon cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, citrus dessert, baked cheesecake