Description
Hello cheesecake lovers! Get ready to indulge in a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Today, we’re diving into the world of Luscious Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake. This delightful dessert combines the tangy zest of lemons with the sweet tartness of raspberries, all swirled into a creamy, dreamy cheesecake. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup lemon curd
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Raspberry Swirl:
- 1/2 cup raspberry puree
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Yellow and red food coloring (optional)
For Garnish:
- Lemon zest curls
- Fresh raspberries
- Whipped cream
Optional Substitutions:
- For a gluten-free crust, use gluten-free graham crackers.
- Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream for a lactose-free version.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth the top.
- Create the Swirls: In a small bowl, mix the lemon curd and lemon juice and yellow food coloring until smooth. In another small bowl, mix the raspberry puree, red food coloring, and sugar until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the lemon mixture and raspberry mixture onto the cheesecake filling. Swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect. Pour the remaining cheesecake filling over the swirled layer and smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set. Allow to cool completely in the oven with the door slightly ajar. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Garnish: Garnish with lemon zest curls, fresh raspberries, and whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother filling.
- To avoid cracks, bake the cheesecake in a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water.