Description
This Ultimate Creamy Lemon Cheesecake is a smooth and luxurious dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, rich cheesecake filling, and bright fresh lemon flavor. Perfectly creamy with a refreshing citrus twist, this classic baked cheesecake is ideal for holidays, celebrations, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Lemon Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Topping
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Fresh lemon slices
- Lemon zest
- Fresh berries (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press firmly into a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. Cool slightly.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
- Add lemon flavor: Mix in sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and flour until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cheesecake smooth.
- Bake the cheesecake: Pour filling over the crust. Bake for 55–65 minutes until the center is slightly set but still has a gentle wobble.
- Cool slowly: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 30 minutes with the door slightly open to prevent cracks.
- Chill completely: Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight before removing from the pan.
- Decorate and serve: Top with whipped cream, lemon slices, and fresh berries before slicing.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese and room-temperature ingredients for the creamiest texture. Do not overbeat the eggs, as too much air can cause cracks. For the cleanest slices, chill overnight and wipe the knife between cuts.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: creamy lemon cheesecake, lemon cheesecake recipe, baked cheesecake, citrus dessert, homemade cheesecake, lemon dessert recipe
