Luscious Lemon Cheesecake With Philadelphia: Easy Recipe

Luscious lemon cheesecake is a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This creamy, tangy dessert has a buttery graham cracker crust that complements the smooth and rich filling, making it a favorite among cheesecake lovers. Philadelphia cream cheese is a key ingredient in this recipe, which ensures that your cheesecake is incredibly luscious and creamy. If you're looking for an easy recipe to impress your friends and family, look no further! 🍋✨

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Luscious%20Lemon%20Cheesecake%20With%20Philadelphia" alt="Luscious Lemon Cheesecake" /> </div>

Ingredients Needed for Luscious Lemon Cheesecake 🍰

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is simple and requires common items you might already have in your kitchen.

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 24 oz (3 packages) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for added creaminess)

For the Topping (Optional):

• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
• Whipped cream

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Lemon%20Cheesecake%20Ingredients" alt="Ingredients for Lemon Cheesecake" /> </div>

Instructions to Make Luscious Lemon Cheesecake 🥄

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Lemon%20Cheesecake%20Crust" alt="Lemon Cheesecake Crust" /> </div>

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened Philadelphia cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial, as it ensures there are no lumps in your cheesecake.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
3. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. If you’re adding sour cream, mix it in at this stage.
4. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust in the springform pan.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Lemon%20Cheesecake%20Filling" alt="Lemon Cheesecake Filling" /> </div>

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Bake the cheesecake in the oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
2. Turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly inside for about 1 hour. This helps prevent cracks on the surface of your cheesecake.
3. After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
4. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Lemon%20Cheesecake%20Baking" alt="Baking Lemon Cheesecake" /> </div>

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

When you're ready to serve your luscious lemon cheesecake, consider the following tips:

1. Garnish: Top with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance.
2. Slice Cleanly: For clean slices, dip a knife in warm water and wipe it clean between cuts.
3. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different citrus flavors like lime or orange for a twist on this classic dessert.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Serving%20Lemon%20Cheesecake" alt="Serving Lemon Cheesecake" /> </div>

Important Notes 📋

• "Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending."
• "If cracks appear on your cheesecake, don’t worry; they can be covered with toppings."
• "You can freeze any leftovers for a quick dessert later on."

Nutritional Information 🍽️

If you're curious about the nutritional aspects of this delicious dessert, here's a simple breakdown of the key components per slice (assuming 12 slices):

<table> <tr> <th>Nutrient</th> <th>Amount per Slice</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Calories</td> <td>320</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Protein</td> <td>6g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Carbohydrates</td> <td>29g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Fat</td> <td>22g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Sugar</td> <td>14g</td> </tr> </table>

This lemon cheesecake is not only a delicious treat but also a fun project for any home baker. The combination of Philadelphia cream cheese and fresh lemon creates a balance that is simply irresistible. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch it disappear! 🌟🍰

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Lemon%20Cheesecake%20Final" alt="Final Lemon Cheesecake" /> </div>