Description
Dive into the delightful fusion of tangy lemon and sweet strawberries with our Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake recipe. This dessert is a perfect symphony of flavors, promising a refreshing twist on the classic cheesecake. With a crunchy graham cracker crust, a creamy filling enriched with the zest of lemons and the sweetness of strawberries, topped with a lemon glaze and a light whipped cream, it’s a celebration of summer in every bite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is designed to guide you through each step, ensuring a stunning dessert that’s bound to impress.
Ingredients and Directions
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
For the Filling:
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
F or the Lemon Glaze:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Fo r the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
For the Filling:
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
F or the Lemon Glaze:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Fo r the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a 9-inch springform pan. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Filling: Mix cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla, and lemon zest. Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating just until combined.
- Pour half of the filling over the crust, layer with fresh strawberry slices, then cover with the remaining filling.
- Baking: Bake for 55 minutes. Allow to cool in the oven with the door ajar.
- Lemon Glaze: Heat sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a saucepan. Stir in cornstarch mixture; cook until thick. Cool slightly and pour over cheesecake.
- Whipped Cream Topping: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla. Dollop on cheesecake before serving.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with lemon slices and additional fresh strawberries.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The cheesecake can also be frozen, without the whipped cream topping, for up to a month.