Luscious Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for spring or summer! It’s creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh flavors. The combination of lemon’s bright acidity and strawberry’s sweetness is a match made in dessert heaven. Plus, the smooth, rich cheesecake base is just the right texture to complement the vibrant topping. Here’s how to make it:
Luscious Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt (optional)
For the cheesecake filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the strawberry topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
- 1/2 cup water
For garnish (optional):
- Fresh lemon slices or zest
- Extra fresh strawberries
Instructions:
1. Prepare the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the crumbs are coated in butter.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a firm, even layer.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until slightly golden. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
2. Prepare the cheesecake filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Continue beating until everything is well incorporated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the sour cream (if using) and heavy cream, and mix until the filling is smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture into the cooled graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
3. Bake the cheesecake:
- Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door cracked open for about an hour (this helps prevent cracking).
- Once it’s mostly cool, transfer the cheesecake to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set completely.
4. Prepare the strawberry topping:
- While the cheesecake is chilling, make the strawberry topping. In a small saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
- If you’d like a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the pan. Stir until the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
- Once cooled, you can either leave the sauce chunky or blend it for a smoother texture.
5. Assemble the cheesecake:
- After the cheesecake has chilled and set, spread the strawberry topping evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
- Garnish with extra fresh strawberries and a few lemon slices or lemon zest for a decorative touch.
6. Serve:
- Slice and serve your Luscious Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake cold. The combination of tangy lemon and sweet strawberry topping is refreshing and indulgent!
Tips:
- For a firmer crust: Press the graham cracker crumbs down firmly and bake until golden to ensure the crust holds its shape when slicing.
- Make it ahead: Cheesecake tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. You can make it 1-2 days in advance and store it covered in the fridge.
- Flavor variations: You can swap the strawberry topping for other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, or even try a mixed berry topping for a delicious twist.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies for the crust.
This Luscious Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake is a refreshing and indulgent dessert that balances rich creaminess with bright, zesty flavors. It’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family meal! Enjoy!