Description
Creamy “Luscious Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake” blends tangy citrus with sweet berries in a dreamy dessert. Rich graham cracker crust and silky filling promise pure indulgence for passionate bakers seeking delightful flavor combinations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Fruit and Flavoring:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Craft a buttery graham cracker foundation by blending crushed crackers with melted butter and sugar, then firmly press the mixture into a greased 9-inch springform pan.
- Whip cream cheese until velvety smooth, gradually incorporating sugar until the mixture becomes luxuriously creamy.
- Gently fold in sour cream and heavy cream, creating a silky texture that promises indulgence.
- Introduce eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition to ensure a uniform consistency.
- Infuse the batter with bright citrus notes by stirring in fresh lemon juice, zesty lemon zest, and aromatic vanilla extract until perfectly integrated.
- Transform fresh raspberries into a vibrant sauce by simmering with sugar and a touch of lemon juice for 5-7 minutes, allowing the fruits to break down and thicken.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture into the prepared crust, creating a smooth canvas for the raspberry swirl.
- Artfully dollop the cooled raspberry sauce across the surface, then use a knife to create elegant marble-like swirls throughout the cheesecake.
- Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 55-65 minutes, watching for a set center and slightly puffed edges that signal perfect doneness.
- Allow the cheesecake to rest inside the oven with the door slightly ajar for one hour, helping prevent cracking and ensuring a smooth texture.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to become delightfully firm and creamy.
Notes
- Prevent Cracks: Create a smooth, crack-free surface by avoiding overmixing the cheesecake batter and using room temperature ingredients for even blending.
- Water Bath Technique: Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water to ensure gentle, even baking and prevent surface cracking.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based or coconut cream cheese alternatives, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a lactose-free version.
- Prep Time: 25-30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-72 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 167
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 57 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg