Description
Zesty lemon & lime cheesecake brings Mediterranean sunshine to dessert tables with creamy, tangy perfection. Silky smooth layers and bright citrus notes promise a refreshing, elegant finish that delights palates and leaves diners craving another delectable slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 (8 ounces/226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Sweeteners and Dairy:
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
Flavor Enhancers and Garnishes:
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Extra lemon/lime zest for garnish
- Thin lemon/lime slices
Instructions
- Craft a buttery foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into a 9-inch springform pan with precision.
- Toast the crust in a preheated oven at 325F (160C) for 8 minutes, creating a golden, crisp base that will support the creamy filling.
- Transform cream cheese into a silky texture by beating thoroughly until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Gradually incorporate sugar, creating a luxurious, velvety consistency that forms the backbone of the cheesecake.
- Introduce eggs one at a time, gently folding each into the mixture to maintain a delicate, airy structure.
- Enhance the flavor profile by adding sour cream, freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice, fragrant citrus zest, and pure vanilla extract.
- Blend all ingredients until the filling becomes uniformly smooth and luxuriously creamy.
- Carefully pour the filling into the cooled crust, using a spatula to create an even, elegant surface.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a subtle jiggle in the center that indicates perfect doneness.
- Allow the cheesecake to rest inside the oven with the door slightly ajar, letting it cool gradually for one hour to prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and texture to set completely.
- Before serving, garnish with delicate whipped cream, sprinkle of citrus zest, or artfully arranged citrus slices for a stunning presentation.
Notes
- Crust Perfection: Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or glass to press graham cracker mixture evenly and firmly into the pan for a compact, uniform base.
- Smooth Filling Technique: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat until completely smooth to prevent lumps in the cheesecake batter.
- Prevent Cracking Hack: The slow cooling process (turning off oven, cracking door) helps prevent surface cracks by gradually reducing temperature and preventing sudden temperature changes.
- Dietary Adaptation: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version of this dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg