Irresistible Lemon Curd and Vanilla Cheesecake Recipe

There’s something utterly magical about the combination of Lemon Curd and Vanilla Cheesecake. Imagine a creamy cheesecake, rich and velvety, dancing with the zesty brightness of lemon curd on top. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a sweet invitation, making it impossible to resist.

This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion—from festive gatherings to cozy family dinners. Each bite offers an explosion of flavor that balances sweetness and tartness, leaving you yearning for more.

Baking this cheesecake has become a family tradition; I still remember my cousin’s face lighting up when she took her first bite at last year’s birthday party.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Choose finely crushed crumbs for a smooth crust texture that holds together beautifully.

• Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter to help bind the crust while adding richness; it’s essential for flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese for a creamy texture; bring it to room temperature before mixing.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; adjust based on your preference for tartness from the lemon curd.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the cheesecake’s flavor; it’s worth the extra step.

• Sour Cream: Incorporate sour cream for added creaminess with a hint of tanginess that balances the sweetness.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides vibrant acidity; bottled juice lacks the same freshness.

• Lemon Zest: Grate fresh lemon peel to infuse the cheesecake with aromatic citrus notes—don’t skip this step!

• Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for easy incorporation into the batter—this helps create a smooth texture.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Lemon Curd and Vanilla Cheesecake

Create the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool completely while you prepare the filling so it can set properly.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar and mix well until fully incorporated and fluffy.

Add Remaining Ingredients: Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until everything is well combined. Finally, add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to maintain airiness.

Bake the Cheesecake: Pour this luscious mixture over your cooled crust in the springform pan. Bake in the oven for about 50-60 minutes or until just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Cool and Chill: Turn off the oven and crack open its door slightly while letting the cheesecake cool inside for about an hour. Transfer it to your fridge to chill completely before topping with lemon curd.

Remember that baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven’s temperament; trust your nose!

Now you have everything you need to whip up this zesty dessert that will leave everyone clamoring for seconds (or thirds)! Enjoy every mouthful!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the lemon curd first, allowing it to cool while you make the cheesecake filling. This ensures a perfect layering effect and saves time, making the process efficient and enjoyable.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with flavored extracts or add fresh fruit toppings to customize your cheesecake. You can also use different cookie crusts, like chocolate or graham cracker, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For best results, serve chilled straight from the fridge; reheating isn’t necessary and may affect texture.

Sharing this lemon curd and vanilla cheesecake recipe brought back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, filled with laughter and sweet aromas that made every gathering special.

FAQ

What is lemon curd?

Lemon curd is a creamy spread made from lemons, sugar, butter, and eggs, offering delightful tartness.

Can I use store-bought lemon curd?

Absolutely! Store-bought lemon curd saves time without sacrificing flavor; it’s a great shortcut.

How should I serve this cheesecake?

Serve chilled with whipped cream or fresh berries for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Lemon Curd and Vanilla Cheesecake

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Lemon Curd and Vanilla Cheesecake is a heavenly dessert that beautifully marries creamy cheesecake with the vibrant zing of lemon curd. This luscious treat is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to festive celebrations, with every bite offering a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness. Easy to make and stunning in presentation, it’s sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more!

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 large eggs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix until fluffy.
4. Incorporate sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
5. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and bake for 50-60 minutes until slightly jiggly in the center.
6. Cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for an hour before chilling in the fridge until set.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 120g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 90mg