Best 7 Light Summery Lemon Cheesecake Recipes

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Indulge in a symphony of flavors with this light, airy, and refreshingly tangy Lemon Cheesecake. This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. With its creamy, velvety texture, vibrant citrus zest, and graham cracker crust, it's a treat that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

This recipe collection features three variations of the classic Lemon Cheesecake: a traditional baked version, a no-bake version for those who prefer a chilled treat, and a gluten-free version that caters to special dietary needs. Each recipe is carefully crafted with step-by-step instructions, ensuring that bakers of all skill levels can achieve cheesecake perfection.

The traditional baked Lemon Cheesecake is a timeless classic, featuring a rich and creamy filling nestled atop a buttery graham cracker crust. The zesty lemon flavor shines through in every bite, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.

For those who prefer a no-bake option, the No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake is a delightful alternative. This recipe utilizes the magic of gelatin to create a firm and creamy filling without the need for baking. The result is a light and refreshing cheesecake that is perfect for warm weather gatherings.

Finally, the Gluten-Free Lemon Cheesecake is a testament to the versatility of this classic dessert. This recipe uses a combination of almond flour and tapioca flour to create a gluten-free graham cracker crust, while the filling remains creamy and tangy. It's a delicious and inclusive option that allows everyone to enjoy the goodness of Lemon Cheesecake.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this collection of Lemon Cheesecake recipes has something for everyone. Embark on a culinary adventure and discover the perfect cheesecake to satisfy your cravings.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

SIMPLY PERFECT LEMON CHEESECAKE



Simply Perfect Lemon Cheesecake image

An easy and perfectly smooth and creamy lemon cheesecake, with a graham cracker base.

Provided by Jennifer

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
3 Tbsp light brown sugar
6 Tbsp butter (melted, salted or unsalted)
Pinch salt (if using unsalted butter or omit for salted butter)
16 oz full-fat cream cheese (at room temperature, 2 standard sized blocks (not Whipped)
1 cup full-fat sour cream (or full-fat Greek yogurt)
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
2 large eggs
1 - 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon zest
2 - 3 Tbsp lemon juice (see Note 2)
Pinch salt
Sliced citrus, fresh blueberries, mint leaves, icing sugar (Optional, for serving)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325F (not fan-assisted/not convection)
  • Make the Crust: Add graham cracker crumbs to a medium bowl and stir in the brown sugar. Pour the melted butter overtop, then stir until all the crumbs are moistened and have a wet sand texture. Add a pinch of salt if you used unsalted butter.
  • *If using an 8-inch springform pan, remove 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture, as you won't need it all for the base. You can reserve to sprinkle on top of the finished cake, if you like (sprinkle around the outside edge in a ring).
  • Press the moist crumb mixture into the bottom of your springform pan. Use the bottom of a dry measuring cup to make sure the crust is really pressed down, to make it easiest to cut later on.
  • Bake the crust until it is lightly golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool. Leave oven on and set at 325F.
  • Make the Filling: Combine the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream and granulated sugar in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture is extremely smooth and well blended, a minute or two. Remove the lid of the food processor and scrape down the sides and bottom of the food processor and try to reach under the blades if you can, to fine and incorporate any stubborn chunks of cream cheese. Process again briefly after scraping. (Getting a perfectly smooth batter at this point is important to prevent cracks in your finished cake, so take the time here to make sure it's well blended and smooth).
  • Add the eggs, lemon juice and zest and a pinch of salt and keep processing until it's super smooth and creamy, another 30 seconds or so.
  • Pour the filling into the baked crust *You may have some leftover filling if you are using a regular cake pan.
  • Bake in preheated 325F oven until mostly set, with a little jiggle in the centre 3-4 inches, with the outsides looking set and puffy, about 20 to 30 minutes. The filling should not brown at all. Don't over-cook, as this can cause your cheesecake to crack.
  • Turn the oven off and open the door a crack (inserting a wooden spoon in the crack will help it say open). Let the cheesecake sit in the oven for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack on the counter to cool completely.
  • Once cooled completely, over the top of the springform pan with plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
  • To serve, remove from springform pan. Topping option: citrus slices, a scattering of blueberries or blackberries, a mint leaf and a dusting of icing sugar, if you like.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 245 kcal, Carbohydrate 26 g, Protein 9 g, Fat 12 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Sodium 437 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 17 g, ServingSize 1 serving

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.

LIGHT LEMONY BERRY CHEESECAKE



Light Lemony Berry Cheesecake image

Provided by Katie Lee Biegel

Categories     dessert

Time 5h30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Nonstick cooking spray
3/4 cup (60 g) whole-wheat graham cracker crumbs (sometimes I use amaretti cookies as a substitute)
2 cups (480 ml) light cottage cheese
1 (8-ounce/225-g) package light cream cheese
3 large eggs
3/4 cup (150 g) sugar, plus a little more for the berries
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sliced strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a 9-inch (23-cm) springform pan with cooking spray.
  • Use a measuring cup to gently press the graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spray the crust with cooking spray. The crust will not be very thick.
  • In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese, eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, flour, and vanilla and blend until smooth. Pour into the crust and bake for 40 minutes. Let cool completely. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.
  • Toss the berries with a pinch of sugar. Serve the cheesecake cold, topping each slice with some of the berries.

LIGHT, SUMMERY LEMON CHEESECAKE



Light, Summery Lemon Cheesecake image

This is a light, airy, and creamy cheesecake. The lemon flavor is not too bold and it has a delicious pound cake crust.

Provided by Amy Melvin

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Lemon Dessert Recipes

Time 11h15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 cup white sugar
½ cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup buttermilk
½ teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon lemon extract
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup white sugar
4 large eggs
12 ounces ready-to-serve lemon pudding
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
1 teaspoon lemon zest
4 egg whites
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
1 pinch salt
½ cup white sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour a loaf pan, or any pan with sides at least 4 inches high.
  • Beat sugar and butter using an electric mixer in a large mixing bowl until creamy, scraping the bowl often with a rubber spatula. Continue to beat, adding eggs 1 at a time, until well combined.
  • Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
  • Reduce mixer speed to low and continue beating the sugar mixture. Gradually add flour mixture alternatively with buttermilk until well combined, 2 to 3 minutes. Add lemon zest and lemon extract; mix well. Spread pound cake crust mixture into the prepared pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 55 to 60 minutes.
  • Let pound cake cool completely. Cut cake into pieces and press into the bottom of a 10-inch springform pan. Set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Beat cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer in a large mixing bowl until fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add lemon pudding, sour cream, and lemon zest; blend well. Pour filling into prepared crust and spread evenly.
  • Fill an oven-safe container with water and place it in the preheated oven under the rack where you will place the cheesecake; this will prevent cracking.
  • Bake cheesecake in the preheated oven until almost set, about 45 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt together in a bowl using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Pour in sugar while beating constantly until glossy peaks form.
  • Remove cheesecake from oven, leaving oven on. Spread meringue topping over the filling to edges, using a spatula to tap for desired peaks. Return cheesecake immediately to oven.
  • Continue to bake cheesecake until meringue is golden brown, 14 to 15 minutes. Turn off the oven. Crack the oven door open, and let cheesecake set and slowly cool for 15 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and let cheesecake cool completely, 20 to 30 minutes more. Refrigerate 8 hours to overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 602 calories, Carbohydrate 63.7 g, Cholesterol 183.5 mg, Fat 34.7 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 11.1 g, SaturatedFat 20.6 g, Sodium 428.7 mg, Sugar 42.4 g

LIGHT LEMONY BERRY CHEESECAKE



Light Lemony Berry Cheesecake image

My mom is a very health-conscious cook, sometimes to a fault. (Sorry, Mom.) This cheesecake happens to be one of her healthy dishes that's also a standout in the taste department. I'll bet no one you serve this to would ever know it's not a straight-up full-fat cheesecake.

Provided by Katie Lee Biegel

Categories     dessert

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

Nonstick cooking spray
3/4 cup (60 g) whole-wheat graham cracker crumbs (sometimes I use amaretti cookies as a substitute)
2 cups (480 ml) light cottage cheese
1 (8-ounce/225-g) package light cream cheese
3 large eggs
3/4 cup (150 g) sugar, plus a little more for the berries
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sliced strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a 9-inch (23-cm) springform pan with cooking spray.
  • Use a measuring cup to gently press the graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spray the crust with cooking spray. The crust will not be very thick.
  • In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese, eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, flour, and vanilla and blend until smooth. Pour into the crust and bake for 40 minutes. Let cool completely. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.
  • Toss the berries with a pinch of sugar. Serve the cheesecake cold, topping each slice with some of the berries.

LIGHT LEMON CHEESECAKE



Light Lemon Cheesecake image

This is a quick no-bake light cheesecake. It has a great texture and flavor. Cook time is for chilling.

Provided by Chris from Kansas

Categories     Cheesecake

Time 4h10m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 graham cracker, crushed
1 package lemon gelatin
2/3 cup boiling water
1 cup low fat cottage cheese
8 ounces neufchatel cheese
2 cups Cool Whip Lite
1 cup cherry pie filling

Steps:

  • Spray 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray.
  • Sprinkle with 1/2 of the graham cracker crumbs; set aside.
  • Dissolve gelatin completely in boiling water in a small bowl, stirring 2 minutes.
  • Pour into blender container.
  • Add cheeses; cover.
  • Blend on medium speed until smooth, scraping down sides occasionally.
  • Pour into large bowl.
  • Gently stir in whipped topping.
  • Spread in prepared pie plate.
  • Sprinkle remaining crumbs around outside edge, leaving center plain.
  • Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm.
  • Just before serving, gently spread pie filling onto center of cheesecake.

Tips:

  • For a smoother cheesecake, use a food processor to blend the cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This will help it blend more smoothly and evenly.
  • If you don't have a springform pan, you can use a regular 9-inch pie plate. Just be sure to trim the excess crust around the edges.
  • To prevent the cheesecake from cracking, bake it in a water bath. This will help to create a moist and creamy cheesecake.
  • Let the cheesecake cool completely before serving. This will help it to set properly.

Conclusion:

This light and summery lemon cheesecake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy texture, tangy lemon flavor, and graham cracker crust, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a delicious and refreshing dessert, give this lemon cheesecake a try. You won't be disappointed!

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