Best 4 Classic Lemon Cheesecake Recipes

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Indulge in the timeless classic: Lemon Cheesecake, a harmonious symphony of tangy citrus and creamy indulgence. This delectable dessert, adored by cheesecake enthusiasts worldwide, captivates taste buds with its vibrant lemon flavor perfectly balanced by a velvety smooth filling and a buttery graham cracker crust. Discover the secrets behind this culinary masterpiece through our collection of meticulously crafted recipes, each offering unique variations to suit your preferences. Embark on a culinary journey as we guide you through the art of creating this iconic dessert, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

LEMON CHEESECAKE



Lemon Cheesecake image

This is the creamiest, most delectable, most lemony cheesecake! It's speckled with lemon zest and topped with tart, luscious lemon curd. It's just what you need to satisfy that sweet-tart craving.

Provided by Cindy Rahe

Categories     Dessert     Baking     Make-ahead

Time 9h30m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 14

For the gingersnap crust:
7 ounces (198g) crisp gingersnap cookies (or graham crackers)
4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons sugar
Pinch kosher salt
For the cheesecake batter:
2 pounds cream cheese, softened
1 cup (200g) sugar
1 packed tablespoon lemon zest (from 1-2 fresh lemons)
4 large eggs
1 cup (227g) sour cream
Pinch kosher salt
To serve:
Prepared lemon curd, store-bought or homemade

Steps:

  • Prepare the oven and baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F. On a baking sheet place a sheet of aluminum foil large enough to wrap around the outside of the springform pan. Set it aside.
  • Reduce the heat and create a steam bath: Turn the oven down to 325°F. Place a 9x13-inch baking dish on the lower rack of the oven and fill with boiling water; this will create a steamy environment for the cheesecake to bake.
  • Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly: Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool for 60 minutes with the oven door closed. Crack open the oven door (place a wooden spoon between the door and the frame of the oven to keep it just cracked) and allow the cheesecake to cool for an additional 45 minutes before removing from the oven to cool on a baking rack, until it reaches room temperature. The cheesecake may have domed slightly while baking but should deflate to a flat top with a small ridge around the edge, as it slowly cools. Remove the foil once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature (anytime after the cheesecake has pulled away from the edges of the pan and it's cool enough to handle).
  • Transfer to the refrigerator: Once the cheesecake is at room temperature, transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 6 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 427 kcal, Carbohydrate 35 g, Cholesterol 140 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 17 g, Sodium 300 mg, Sugar 26 g, Fat 30 g, ServingSize 12-16 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

LOVELY LEMON CHEESECAKE



Lovely Lemon Cheesecake image

Wait for the oohs and aahs when you present this luxurious lemon cheesecake recipe. The lemon flavor gives it a bright, tangy flavor. -Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h35m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons sugar
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, melted
FILLING:
5 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1-2/3 cups sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup lemon juice
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
Thin lemon slices, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°. Place a greased 10-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Wrap foil securely around pan., In a small bowl, mix cracker crumbs, sugar and cinnamon; stir in butter. Press onto bottom of prepared pan; refrigerate while preparing filling., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and salt until smooth. Beat in lemon juice and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until blended. Pour over crust. Place springform pan in a larger baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan., Bake 70-80 minutes or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool cheesecake on a wire rack 10 minutes. Loosen sides from pan with a knife; remove foil. Cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight, covering when completely cooled., Remove rim from pan. If desired, top cheesecake with lemon slices.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 444 calories, Fat 32g fat (19g saturated fat), Cholesterol 169mg cholesterol, Sodium 325mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (27g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 9g protein.

LEMON DREAM CHEESECAKE



Lemon Dream Cheesecake image

Light and creamy, this lemon cheesecake recipe is just the thing for a spring or summer day. -Bonnie Jost, Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h25m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
FILLING:
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
2-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
10 drops yellow food coloring, optional
5 large eggs, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°. In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs, butter and sugar. Press onto bottom and 2 in. up the inside of a greased 10-in. springform pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in cream, lemon juice, flour, lemon zest, extracts and, if desired, food coloring. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour into crust. Return pan to baking sheet., Bake 55-65 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 396 calories, Fat 29g fat (18g saturated fat), Cholesterol 150mg cholesterol, Sodium 286mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (19g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 7g protein.

CLASSIC LEMON CHEESECAKE



Classic Lemon Cheesecake image

You can't beat the classics when it comes to desserts, and this is one of my best. Zesty, creamy and light-as-air, this cake is completely heavenly. It's impossible to stop at one slice!

Provided by Donna Hay

Categories     Cake     Dessert     Bake     Kid-Friendly     Cream Cheese     Ricotta     Lemon     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher     Small Plates

Yield 8-10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

Crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup superfine sugar
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, chopped
Filling:
3/4 pound cream cheese, softened
1 pound ricotta
4 eggs
1 1/3 cups superfine sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 tablespoons water
1 cup whipping cream, whipped

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300°F. Place the flour, sugar and butter in a bowl and rub with your fingertips to form a rough dough. Using the back of a spoon, press the mixture into the base of a lightly greased 8" round springform pan lined with non-stick parchment paper. Bake the crust for 30 minutes or until golden and just cooked. Set aside.
  • To make the filling, place the cream cheese, ricotta, eggs, sugar, lemon juice and zest, and vanilla in a food processor and process until smooth. Place the cornstarch and water in bowl and mix until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the cheese mixture and mix to combine. Pour over the crust and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until light golden and just set. Turn the oven off and allow to cool in the oven with the door closed. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until cold. Top with the whipped cream to serve.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh lemons, cream cheese, and butter will give your cheesecake the best flavor.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature: This will help it mix smoothly with the other ingredients.
  • Don't overbeat the cheesecake batter: Overbeating can make the cheesecake dense and rubbery.
  • Bake the cheesecake in a water bath: This will help prevent the cheesecake from cracking.
  • Chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours before serving: This will help it set properly and develop its full flavor.

Conclusion:

This classic lemon cheesecake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, tangy lemon flavor, and graham cracker crust, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a special dessert, give this classic lemon cheesecake a try. You won't be disappointed!

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