Lemon Cheesecake Recipe (VIDEO)

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This homemade Lemon Cheesecake is citrusy and bright, combining the creaminess of New York Cheesecake with vibrant lemon flavor. The rich and smooth filling is balanced by a hint of lemon zest topped with a golden crown of lemon curd and whipped cream.
Watch the video tutorial and see how easy it is to make this Lemon Cheesecake.

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We have always loved experimenting with cheesecake flavors, from Strawberry Cheesecake to Pumpkin Cheesecake. This Lemon Cheesecake is really a cross between a classic New York Cheesecake and Lemon Bars – it’s a must-try!
Lemon Cheesecake RecipeI brought this lemon cheesecake to our Easter dinner and it was such a hit! Everyone loved it – the contrast of sweet and tangy is irresistibly good, especially with that golden layer of Lemon Curd. With lightly sweetened whipped cream elegantly piped around the edges and a buttery crust, this dessert was a crowd-pleaser.
Decorating this dessert is incredibly easy – simply spread lemon curd over the top and add dollops of whipped cream and it will look professionally made. This homemade treat has an airiness to it that store-bought cheesecakes simply cannot duplicate.
Lemon Cheesecake with Lemon Curd VideoWatch as Natasha makes Lemon Cheesecake, guiding you through each step to ensure your dessert is irresistibly delicious. We can’t wait for you to try this recipe and fall in love with it just as much as we have!

Ingredients For this lemon cheesecake with lemon curd recipe, you’ll need to prepare three key components: crust, filling, and toppings, but the ingredients are simple.

Graham Cracker Crust – all you need are graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a bit of sugar to make a cheesecake crust.

Cream Cheese – delivers the creamy classic taste of cheesecake

Granulated Sugar – adds just the right amount of sweetness to the mixture

Eggs – help to create a smooth and creamy texture, while providing a subtle lift during baking, which helps to create a lighter, more delicate cheesecake

Sour Cream – creates a more dense and smooth cheesecake

Lemon – you’ll need the lemon zest and the juice which provides a burst of citrus flavor

Vanilla Extract – be sure to use real vanilla extract

Lemon Curd – a bright custard-like topping with a tangy citrus flavor enhances the cheesecake’s overall taste and appearance. Homemade is best but storebought works in a pinch.

Heavy Whipping Cream – combined with sugar and vanilla creates a light and airy garnish with a touch of sweetness and a delicate texture to contrast with the dense cheesecake

Variations

Crust Options: We used a classic graham cracker crust, but you can change the flavor by using an almond crust, or any crisp cookie such as chocolate Oreo cookies (cream removed), Vanilla Wafers, or Biscoff shortbread cookies.
Toppings: Instead of garnishing with lemon slices, consider fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries) or slices of lime or lime zest for a lemon-lime cheesecake

How to Make a Cheesecake Crust

Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl and stir until moistened.

Press the crumbs into a 9-inch springform pan lined with parchment, going slightly up the sides. Using a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup, press the crumbs into the pan.

Bake for 8 minutes at 350°F and then cool to room temperature.

Wrap your pan with foil – Increase oven temperature to 450°F. Place 2 sheets of extra-wide heavy-duty foil on the counter. Set your springform pan in the center and fold the foil up the sides of the pan, ensuring there are no rips. Fan the foil out at the top to keep the rim clear for rising.

How to Make Lemon Cheesecake

Mix cream cheese and sugar – In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using an electric hand mixer), beat cream cheese and sugar on medium/high speed for 5 minutes until completely smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Add eggs – Reduce speed to medium and add eggs one at a time, letting them incorporate between each addition. Scrape down the bowl with a spatula as needed.

Reduce the speed to low and add sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix on low speed just until incorporated, scraping down the bowl as needed. Pour cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.

Boil a pot of water and set your foil-wrapped cheesecake pan in a deep roasting pan. Pour hot water around the edges about 1 inch up the sides of the springform pan. Carefully transfer the cheesecake to the center oven rack and bake at 450°F for 15 minutes then reduce heat to 225°F without opening the door and bake another 60-65 minutes or until the center of the cheesecake barely wobbles when you jolt the pan.

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it rest in the roasting pan with water for 45 minutes then discard the foil and set the springform pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, cover the springform pan and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight to fully set before serving.

How to Prevent Cracks in a CheesecakeBaking with the water bath method is the secret to achieving a perfectly risen cheesecake with a smooth, level top. The water helps maintain a consistent temperature and adds moisture to prevent cracks. Wrapping the springform pan in foil creates a barrier that keeps water from seeping into your cheesecake, ensuring the crust stays dry and intact.
How to Top and Serve Lemon Cheesecake

Release the Cake from the Pan: Run a thin knife or spatula around the edges of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan. Remove the springform pan and carefully transfer the cheesecake to a cake platter.

Make Whipped Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat together heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract on medium/high speed until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with an open star tip and set aside (or refrigerate the piping bag if not using right away.

Spread Lemon Curd over the surface. Pipe a generous amount of whipped cream around the edge of the cake or decorate it to your liking. Garnish with thin lemon slices. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Can I Make Cheesecake Without a Water Bath?While a water bath is the best way to ensure your cheesecake doesn’t crack, you can bake this lemon cheesecake without one. Follow the baking instructions from our Blueberry Cheesecake recipe for our tried-and-true method for a perfect cheesecake without a water bath
What is the Best Way to Slice a Cheesecake?Before slicing into your cheesecake, soak the knife in a tall glass of hot water to heat it. Wipe your knife with a paper towel between slices. Using a warm, clean knife will ensure perfect lines with each cut.

Make-Ahead

To Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For the best presentation, I don’t recommend adding the toppings until you are ready to serve. However, leftovers will refrigerate well even with the toppings.

Freezing: After the cake chills in the refrigerator overnight, wrap it in plastic wrap with a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for 2-3 months.

To Thaw: Remove the foil but keep the plastic wrap on while it thaws. Set it on a serving plate and refrigerate overnight. Add toppings and serve.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, this bright and citrusy Lemon Cheesecake twist on a classic dessert is sure to be a showstopper.
More Refreshing Lemon RecipesLove Lemon? If you have plenty of lemons and want ideas for using up lemons, you’ll love these Lemon Recipes: