Description
Creamy no bake lemon cheesecake delivers a tangy, refreshing dessert perfect for summer gatherings. Cool citrus notes and graham cracker crust provide delightful contrasts for passionate dessert enthusiasts seeking simple, elegant treats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- ½ cup (120 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsps granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Lemon slices or zest for garnish (optional)
- Fresh berries, blueberries or raspberries (optional)
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Meld graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into a springform pan’s base to create a compact, uniform foundation. Chill the crust while assembling the filling.
- Cream Cheese Fusion: Whip cream cheese until velvety smooth, incorporating powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest. Beat thoroughly to achieve a uniform, luxurious mixture with no lumps.
- Cream Integration: Whisk heavy cream to stiff peaks in a separate bowl. Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemony cream cheese mixture, creating a light, airy filling that promises ethereal texture and depth of flavor.
- Assembly and Chilling: Pour the filling over the refrigerated crust, spreading evenly with a spatula to ensure a pristine, level surface. Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and allow it to set completely, ideally overnight or for a minimum of 4 hours.
- Serving and Garnishing: Carefully release the cheesecake from its pan. Embellish with optional adornments like whipped cream, lemon slices, additional zest, or a scatter of fresh berries to elevate the visual and gustatory experience.
Notes
- Tackle Texture Perfection: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps and achieve a silky-smooth filling that blends seamlessly.
- Zest with Precision: Use only the bright yellow part of lemon zest, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath to maintain a clean, vibrant citrus flavor.
- Whipping Wisdom: Whip heavy cream in a cold bowl to help it reach maximum volume and create a lighter, more airy cheesecake texture.
- Chill for Success: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and achieve the ideal firm yet creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg