The Creamiest, Fluffiest and Luscious Lemon Cheesecake nestled in a Graham Cracker Crust. Topped with a layer of the Easiest Homemade Lemon Curd that truly enhances its own Natural Lemon Flavor. This is one Spring Dessert you do not want to miss!

Can you feel the brightness and sunshine radiate from this cheesecake? Spring is my favorite time of the year to bring out those lemons and get creative. Doesn’t matter if it’s baked into biscuits or used as a dressing. Lemons are always light and bright; opening up your senses and gets you excited for Summer.

It’s been almost a year, since I made my Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Mascarpone Frosting and they were a hit! This year is a little different and EVEN BETTER!

It’s not often I make cheesecakes but when I do, I have SO MUCH fun in the baking process. They’re so easy to make. Ridiculously easy! Whip a few dairy products together, pour it into a crust and bake… how hard is that? Not hard at all.

Is it me or are cheesecakes visually, very appealing? Every time I’ve made one, I’m in awe in how the baked cheesecake has created a smooth satin-like sheen across the top. When it’s lightly browned with no cracks, I get a little excited inside. Then seeing the texture of a cut slice, such a beauty!

But let’s say yours has a big ol’ crack in the center (which by the way, a hot water bath should prevent that, so don’t skip that part). Depending on how deep it is, you may not need to worry. The homemade lemon curd will cover that up like it never happened. The simplicity of this dessert has me wondering why I haven’t made cheesecakes more often. Hmm?

I’ve made a couple in my past and up to this date, my New York Style Cheesecake has always been a classic fav but I’m starting to believe this may have now changed. With the exception of the crust, texturally, they’re both comparable. Both recipes produce every cheesecake lover’s favorite attributes of a cheesecake: fluffy yet creamy with an even bake throughout.

It’s hard to tell but I think for now I’m leaning more towards this lemon cheesecake as my favorite. Though it could change on a dime but one thing I know for sure, I definitely want to make more cheesecakes because this one had me in love! If you have suggestions on any variations or how you like to bake your cheesecakes, leave a comment below. I’d love to hear and learn from you.

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Lemon Cheesecake

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Author: URBAN BAKES
Total Time: 6 hours including rest time
Yield: 9 inch cheesecake 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

The Creamiest, Fluffiest and Luscious Lemon Cheesecake nestled in a Graham Cracker Crust. Topped with a layer of the Easiest Homemade Lemon Curd that truly enhances its own Natural Lemon Flavor. This is one Spring Dessert you do not want to miss!

Instructions

CRUST: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Using aluminum foil, cover the bottom and up the sides of a 9 inch (23 cm) springform baking pan; set aside.
In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar and salt until the mixture resembles wet sand. Pour wet crumbs into baking pan. Use the bottom and sides of a straight edge cup to gently press the crumbs onto the bottom and sides of the pan.
Bake for 10 minutes. Remove pan from oven and set aside over a wire rack to rest. Reduce heat to 325°F (160°C).
CHEESECAKE: In a food processor, pulse 1/3 cup (67 grams) of sugar and lemon zest until the zest is broken down. Whisk pulsed lemon-sugar with the remaining 1 cup of sugar and flour; set aside. Note: If you have finely grated lemon, you may skip the food processor step and whisk all 1 1/3 cups of sugar, zest and flour together, set aside.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer with a paddle attachment on medium-low speed and beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Mix in lemon-sugar and continue to beat until just combined.
Increase speed to medium and beat in eggs 1 at a time ensuring each egg is fully mixed into the batter before adding the next egg. Do not overbeat.
Mix in sour cream, lemon juice and vanilla. Scrape down bottom and sides of bowl and mix for another few seconds until batter is evenly mixed.
Pour batter into the cooled crust within the springform pan. Place the springform pan into a 13×9 inch (33×23 cm) or larger baking pan. Fill the outer pan with enough hot tap water until it reaches halfway up the springform pan.
Bake for 90 to 100 minutes or until the center is set, outer edges have puffed and the top is dry. The center may slightly giggle when moved. Turn the oven off and keep the door ajar. Leave cheesecake in the oven for up to 1 hour. Remove from the oven and hot water bath. Remove aluminum foil and allow the cheesecake to cool over a wire rack to room temperature. Run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen before releasing the spring. Transfer cheesecake onto a plate, lightly cover (preferably use a cake cover to not touch the cheesecake) and leave in the fridge for at least 2 hours or longer to set.
CURD: In a small saucepan, whisk sugar and cornstarch together. Mix in water and egg yolks until no lumps remain. Bring mixture to a boil and continue to stir until it begins to thicken. Quickly remove from heat.
Whisk in lemon zest and juice until curd becomes uniform in texture, about 2-3 minutes. Straining is not necessary. To remove any lumps for a silkier finish, use an immersion blender to mix the curd, about 1 minute. Spread immediately over the top of the chilled cheesecake leaving about 1/2 inch border around the edge. Chill cheesecake in the fridge to have the curd set.
WHIPPED CREAM: Meanwhile, in a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat heavy cream and sugar until soft peaks begin to form. Add vanilla and continue to beat whipped cream until stiff peaks begin to form.
Fit a pastry (piping) bag with a Wilton 4B star tip. Fill bag about 3/4 full with whipped cream, twist the top of the bag to hold in the cream and pipe over the chilled cheesecake in a continuous circular motion. Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature. ENJOY!

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Cheesecake
Cuisine: American

Keywords: lemon cheesecake, classic cheesecake, graham cracker crust

Recipe adapted from Saving Dessert.