Description
Indulgent cherry lemon cheesecake brings zesty citrus notes dancing with smooth, creamy cheesecake richness. Sweet-tart cherries crown this elegant dessert, promising pure delight when dessert lovers savor each luxurious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Topping Ingredients:
- 1 (21 ounces / 595 grams) can cherry pie filling
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Optional: Additional lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Craft a buttery foundation by pulverizing graham crackers with sugar and melted butter, pressing the mixture into a springform pan’s base. Toast the crust briefly in a preheated 325F oven until golden, creating a crisp, sturdy platform for the creamy filling.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, whip cream cheese until silky, gradually incorporating sugar for a luxurious texture. Gently fold in eggs, ensuring each integration is smooth and homogeneous. Infuse the mixture with bright citrus notes through freshly squeezed lemon juice and delicate zest, complemented by vanilla’s warmth and sour cream’s tangy richness.
- Cascade the velvety filling over the cooled crust, distributing it evenly with a gentle touch. Slide the pan into the oven, allowing the cheesecake to bake until edges firm up and the center maintains a subtle tremor, indicating perfect custard-like consistency.
- After baking, transition the cheesecake to a gradual cooling process by leaving it inside the oven with the door slightly ajar. This technique prevents unsightly surface cracks and promotes even temperature reduction.
- Once completely cooled to room temperature, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator. Allow it to rest and set for several hours, ideally overnight, developing deeper flavor complexity.
- Before serving, lavish the chilled cheesecake with a generous layer of ruby-red cherry pie filling. Optionally, scatter additional lemon zest across the surface for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.
- Carefully release the springform’s clasp, slice into elegant portions, and present this decadent dessert that harmonizes tart cherries, zesty lemon, and creamy cheesecake.
Notes
- Select high-quality cream cheese at room temperature for smoother, lump-free mixing and better texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor that complements the sweet cherries.
- Prevent cheesecake cracks by baking in a water bath and cooling gradually inside the oven with the door slightly open to reduce temperature shock.
- Swap graham cracker crust with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg