Description
A refreshing twist on classic cheesecake that blends tangy lemon and sweet strawberries, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup strawberry sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Combine the crushed graham crackers and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until the crumbs resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.
- Create the filling: Beat the softened cream cheese in a separate bowl using your electric mixer until perfectly smooth—about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice; mix until well combined.
- Add remaining ingredients: Gently add in the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing them until incorporated. Finally, add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined. Take care not to overmix.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Pour the cheesecake filling into the chilled crust. Place the springform pan into a larger baking dish filled with hot water halfway up the sides.
- Bake: Bake for 1 hour, or until the edges look set but the center remains slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and crack the door, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually inside for about an hour.
- Chill: Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight preferably, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Just before serving, top the cheesecake with sliced strawberries and drizzle with strawberry sauce.
Notes
This cheesecake can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Consider using an air fryer for quicker methods and customize with other fruits as desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cheesecake, strawberry, lemon, dessert, summer, baking