Description
Creamy lemon strawberry swirl cheesecake brings Mediterranean sunshine to classic dessert lovers. Sweet-tart layers meld perfectly, promising delightful moments of pure indulgence you’ll savor with each silky bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 3 packages (8 ounces/226 grams each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves or jam
Instructions
- Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing the surface and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Create the crust by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, pressing the mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Introduce eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a uniform consistency.
- Infuse the batter with bright citrus notes by gently folding in lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Carefully pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, creating an even layer.
- Dollop strawberry preserves across the surface, using a knife to create elegant swirling patterns throughout the cream cheese layer.
- Gently cover the strawberry swirled layer with remaining cream cheese mixture, ensuring a smooth and seamless top.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 45-50 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center that indicates perfect doneness.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then carefully loosen the pan’s edges with a thin knife.
- Let the cheesecake rest at room temperature for an additional hour before transferring to the refrigerator to set completely overnight.
Notes
- Select graham crackers with minimal additives for a cleaner base that enhances the natural flavors of the cheesecake.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smoother, lump-free batter that blends perfectly.
- Opt for high-quality strawberry preserves with real fruit chunks to create more vibrant swirls and deeper flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free version, replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to maintain the rich, buttery crust texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 367 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 246 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg