Zesty Strawberry Lemonade Cheesecake Recipe: Summer on a Plate

Sweet strawberry lemonade cheesecake promises a burst of summer magic right on your plate.

Creamy layers meld with zesty citrus notes for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Bright fruit flavors dance through each delectable slice, creating a refreshing twist on classic cheesecake.

Tangy lemons and ripe strawberries combine in perfect harmony, tempting your taste buds with every forkful.

Lightweight and luxurious, this dessert brings sunshine to any gathering.

Each bite offers a delightful balance of smooth cream cheese and vibrant fruit essence.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible summer treat that’ll make you the star of any celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions on Strawberry Lemonade Cheesecake

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess moisture in the cheesecake.

• How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Avoid overmixing the batter, bake at the correct temperature, and use the water bath method or leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open after baking to cool gradually.

• Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or use almond flour as a crust alternative.

Reasons to Love Strawberry Lemonade Cheesecake

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This strawberry lemonade cheesecake delivers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that will wow everyone at the gathering.
• Master a Gourmet Dessert: Despite looking professional, the recipe is surprisingly approachable for home bakers with basic cooking skills and standard kitchen tools.
• Customize with Seasonal Flair: Fresh strawberries transform this dessert into a vibrant, summer-inspired treat that can be adapted based on current fruit availability.
• Create Make-Ahead Magic: The cheesecake can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for dinner parties, potlucks, and special celebrations without last-minute stress.

Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Lemonade Cheesecake

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic crumbly base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and balances the tangy flavors.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, smooth texture.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its creamy and rich texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds extra moisture and a subtle tangy flavor to the cheesecake.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set properly.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm and sweet aroma.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bring a bright, citrusy flavor to the cheesecake.
• Strawberries: Add fresh fruit flavor and natural sweetness to the filling.

• Strawberries: Fresh sliced strawberries create a vibrant and fruity topping.
• Sugar: Helps create a sweet syrup for the strawberry topping.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
• Cornstarch, Water: Help thicken the strawberry topping and create a glossy finish.

Step-by-Step Guide for Strawberry Lemonade Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warmly grease a 9-inch springform pan and set your oven to a cozy 325F (165C) temperature.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust

Blend graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter. Press this delightful mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a solid foundation for your cheesecake.

Step 3: Mix Cheesecake Batter

• Sour cream
• Eggs (one at a time)
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Tenderly fold in chopped strawberries, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Transfer the luscious batter over the crust, creating an even layer. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center sets perfectly.

Step 5: Cooling Process

After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for one hour. This gentle cooling prevents cracking.

Step 6: Refrigerate

Remove from the oven and cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to achieve the perfect texture.

Step 7: Create Strawberry Topping

• Sliced strawberries
• Sugar
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch
• Water

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly. Allow to cool, then generously spread over the chilled cheesecake.

Expert Tips for Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Cheesecake

• Prevent Cracking Cheesecake: Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing to keep the surface smooth and crack-free.
• Boost Lemon Flavor: Zest fresh lemons just before adding to maximize the bright, citrusy taste throughout the cheesecake.
• Control Strawberry Moisture: Pat chopped strawberries dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the cheesecake watery.
• Slice Cleanly: Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe dry between each cut for perfect, clean cheesecake slices.
• Enhance Crust Texture: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create a compact, crisp base that holds together well.

Flavor Variations for Strawberry Lemonade Cheesecake

• No-Bake Version: Replace baked cheesecake with a chilled, set version using gelatin or condensed milk to stabilize the filling, eliminating oven time completely.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap graham cracker crust with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation without compromising texture.
• Vegan Alternative: Use cashew cream cheese, coconut cream, and silken tofu as dairy replacements, with chia seeds or flax eggs to bind the mixture and maintain creamy consistency.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, incorporate fresh berries for natural sweetness, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.

Best Pairings to Complement Strawberry Lemonade Cheesecake

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, slightly sweet Riesling or Pinot Grigio that complements the tangy lemon and sweet strawberry flavors, enhancing the cheesecake's delicate profile.
• Serve with Fresh Mint Tea: Brew a hot mint tea to cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy cheesecake, adding a cool herbal note.
• Match with Sparkling Rosé: Choose a chilled sparkling rosé that mirrors the strawberry essence and cuts through the cheesecake's decadent texture, creating a balanced and elegant dessert experience.
• Accompany with Lemon Sorbet: Add a small scoop of zesty lemon sorbet on the side to amplify the citrus notes and provide a palate-cleansing, light counterpoint to the dense cheesecake.

Storage Guidelines for Strawberry Lemonade Cheesecake

• Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring the freshness and flavor remain intact.
• Slice the cheesecake, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving its delightful taste and texture.
• Remove frozen cheesecake from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight. This gentle thawing method prevents soggy edges and maintains the cake's creamy consistency.
• Warm individual slices briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore the perfect, smooth texture.

Strawberry Lemonade Cheesecake Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (including cooling and refrigeration)
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy strawberry lemonade cheesecake brings zesty sunshine to classic dessert lovers. Sweet-tart layers blend perfectly, delivering a refreshing slice of pure summer indulgence you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (5 1/3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberry puree

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Prepare the springform pan by greasing it thoroughly and preheat the oven to 325F (165C).
2. Craft a buttery graham cracker base by blending crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then firmly press the mixture into the pan’s bottom.
3. Create the creamy cheesecake filling by whipping cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, gradually incorporating sour cream and eggs while maintaining a uniform texture.
4. Enhance the filling’s complexity by gently folding in vanilla, tangy lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and vibrant chopped strawberries.
5. Carefully transfer the velvety batter onto the prepared crust, ensuring an even distribution.
6. Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes until the center sets with a gentle wobble, then employ a unique cooling technique by leaving it in the oven with the door slightly ajar for one hour.
7. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight.
8. Construct a glossy strawberry topping by simmering sliced strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes gloriously bubbly.
9. Once the topping cools to room temperature, generously spread it over the chilled cheesecake, creating a vibrant and appetizing finish.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing to achieve a silky cheesecake texture.
• Gently fold strawberries into batter to prevent color bleeding and maintain distinct fruit pieces throughout the cake.
• Use water bath method by placing springform pan in larger pan with hot water to prevent cracking and create even baking environment.
• For gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including baking and cooking topping)
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg