Refreshing Homemade Lemon Cheesecake

Indulge in the tangy and creamy goodness of this homemade lemon cheesecake. With a buttery graham cracker crust, silky smooth lemon-filled cheesecake filling, and a zesty lemon glaze topping, this dessert is a perfect balance of flavors. The vibrant yellow color and refreshing taste make it an ideal treat for any occasion. Follow this easy recipe to create a show-stopping dessert that will surely impress your family and friends. It's a lemon lover's dream!

Ingredients

• For the crust:
• - 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
• - 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• - 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• For the filling:
• - 32 oz (4 packages) of cream cheese, softened
• - 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
• - 4 large eggs
• - 1/2 cup of sour cream
• - 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• - 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
• - 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
• For the glaze:
• - 1 cup of powdered sugar
• - 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
• - 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
• - Fresh lemon slices for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar for the crust. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan.
4. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the sour cream, flour, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully incorporated.
6. Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for about 55-60 minutes or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.
8. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set.
9. Once chilled, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.
10. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest for the glaze until smooth.
11. Drizzle the glaze over the cheesecake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
12. Garnish with fresh lemon slices for an extra touch of lemon flavor and visual appeal.
13. Slice and serve the lemon cheesecake cold for a refreshing and delightful dessert.

Interesting Facts