Description
This spring baking cheesecake is the perfect way to celebrate the warmer weather! Creamy, tangy, and sweet, it’s a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons (2 ½ ounces) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- For the Filling:
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- 2. Bake the Crust (Optional): For a sturdier crust, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Let cool before adding the filling.
- 3. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- 4. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can introduce air and cause cracks in the cheesecake.
- 5. Incorporate Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and sour cream. Mix until just combined.
- 6. Pour and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly wobbly.
- 7. Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour with the oven door slightly ajar. This helps prevent cracking.
- 8. Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: cheesecake, spring, baking, dessert