Description
Creamy no-bake lemon cheesecake delights with tangy citrus notes and silky smooth texture. Chilled dessert offers a refreshing twist on classic cheesecake that cools and satisfies summer cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (453 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsps (85 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsps (25 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Lemon slices or zest (optional)
- Fresh berries, blueberries or raspberries (optional)
Instructions
- Crust Creation: Merge graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar into a sandy consistency, then press firmly into a 9-inch springform pan, creating a uniform base. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- Cream Cheese Preparation: Whip cream cheese until luxuriously smooth, then incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest. Mix thoroughly to ensure a vibrant, well-integrated flavor profile.
- Whipped Cream Integration: Separately whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold into the lemon-infused cream cheese mixture, maintaining a light and airy texture.
- Chilling and Setting: Pour the creamy filling over the chilled crust, spreading evenly. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to allow the cheesecake to develop its signature velvety consistency.
- Serving and Garnishing: Carefully release from the springform pan, slice with a sharp knife, and adorn with optional garnishes like whipped cream, fresh lemon slices, additional zest, or a sprinkle of berries. Serve chilled and enjoy the decadent, citrusy dessert.
Notes
- Prevent Crust Crumbling: Compress the graham cracker base firmly and evenly to ensure a stable, compact foundation that won’t fall apart when slicing.
- Avoid Lumpy Filling: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps, creating a silky smooth texture.
- Whipping Cream Technique: Use a chilled bowl and beaters when whipping heavy cream to achieve maximum volume and stability for a lighter, airier filling.
- Zest for Maximum Flavor: Grate lemon zest carefully, using only the bright yellow outer layer to maximize citrus intensity without bitter white pith.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 374
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 175 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 82 mg