Irresistible Lemon Cream Cheese Cake

Indulge in the fresh and tangy flavors of our Irresistible Lemon Cream Cheese Cake! This decadent dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests at any gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• In a bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
• Pour cream cheese mixture over the crust. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until center is almost set.
• Let cake cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 380 | Fat: 25g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 6g

Popular questions:

• Can I use gluten-free graham crackers for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free graham crackers to make this recipe gluten-free.

• Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of lemon?

You can try using lime or orange for a different citrus flavor.

• Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?

Using reduced-fat cream cheese may alter the texture slightly, but it should still work in this recipe.

• Can I add a berry compote on top of the cake?

Adding a berry compote can be a delicious addition to this lemon cream cheese cake.

• How long does the cake need to cool before refrigerating?

Let the cake cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before refrigerating.

• Can I freeze this cake?

This cake can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

• Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?

You can use lemon extract, but fresh lemon juice will provide a brighter flavor.

• Can I add a lemon glaze on top of the cake?

A lemon glaze can be a great addition to enhance the lemon flavor of this cake.

• Can I make individual mini lemon cream cheese cakes with this recipe?

You can use muffin tins to create individual mini lemon cream cheese cakes with this recipe.

• Can I serve this cake with whipped cream or ice cream?

Serving this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream can make it even more delightful.

Helpful tips:

• For a more intense lemon flavor, add more lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
• You can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the cake before serving for a decorative finish.
• Try garnishing the cake with fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color.
• If you prefer a sweeter crust, you can increase the amount of sugar in the graham cracker crumbs mixture.
• Experiment with different toppings such as a drizzle of caramel sauce or chopped nuts for added texture.
• To make this cake a showstopper dessert, layer it with lemon curd between the crust and cream cheese mixture.
• Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
• If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought graham cracker crust instead of making your own.
• To prevent cracks on the surface of the cake, bake it in a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with water.
• Serve the cake chilled for the best texture and flavor, allowing the cream cheese filling to set properly.

Expert Secrets:

• For a velvety smooth texture, avoid overmixing the cream cheese mixture once the eggs are added.
• To enhance the richness of the cake, consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream to the cream cheese mixture.
• To create a marbled effect, swirl in a tablespoon of lemon curd into the cream cheese mixture before baking.
• For a hint of warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the graham cracker crust mixture.
• To prevent the crust from getting too soggy, bake it for a few minutes before adding the cream cheese filling.
• For a lighter version, you can use Neufchâtel cheese instead of full-fat cream cheese.
• To intensify the lemon flavor, squeeze a little extra lemon juice over the cake after baking and cooling.
• To cut through the richness, serve the cake with a side of fresh berries or a fruit salad.
• For an elegant presentation, dust the top of the cake with edible gold or silver dust before serving.
• To make this cake even more decadent, top it with a dollop of whipped cream infused with a hint of lemon zest.