Introduction
Indulge in the refreshing and tangy flavors of our Lemon Cheesecake, a perfect dessert for any occasion! This creamy, zesty cheesecake features a classic graham cracker crust and a velvety lemon-infused filling, topped with chopped evo hemp Lemon Hemp Bars for an extra burst of citrus goodness. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving a delightful treat, this Lemon Cheesecake is sure to impress with its smooth texture and vibrant flavor. Follow our simple recipe to create this irresistible dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Crust
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
Filling
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
2-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
10 drops yellow food coloring, optional
5 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
4 evo hemp Lemon Hemp Bars, chopped
Lemon slices, for garnish
Mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well.
- Press the mixture onto the bottom and 1 to 2 inches up the inside of a greased 10-inch springform pan.
- Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add the heavy whipping cream, lemon juice, flour, lemon zest, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and, if desired, yellow food coloring. Beat until well combined.
- On low speed, beat in the eggs just until combined.
- Stir in the chopped evo hemp Lemon Hemp Bars.
3. Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
- Return the springform pan to the baking sheet.
4. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is almost set.
- Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
- Carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake. Continue cooling for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate overnight.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the side of the springform pan.
- Garnish the cheesecake with lemon slices and mint leaves before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious lemon cheesecake!
Prep and Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 25 Minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Servings and Yield
- Servings: Approximately 12-16 slices
- Yield: 1 (10-inch) cheesecake
Tips and Tricks
1. Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure the cream cheese, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter and even baking.
2. Avoid Overmixing
When adding the eggs, beat on low speed just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing the cheesecake to crack.
3. Water Bath
Consider baking the cheesecake in a water bath to help prevent cracks. Wrap the bottom of the springform pan with aluminum foil and place it in a larger baking pan filled with hot water.
Variations
Berry Lemon Cheesecake
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Add a swirl of raspberry, blueberry, or strawberry sauce to the filling before baking. You can also top the cheesecake with fresh berries and a berry glaze.
Nutty Crust
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Substitute some or all of the graham cracker crumbs with finely ground nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a nutty flavor and added crunch.
Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake
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Replace some of the cream cheese with ricotta cheese for a lighter texture.
FAQ
Hemp Nutrition
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The addition of evo hemp Lemon Hemp Bars not only enhances the lemon flavor but also adds nutritional benefits such as protein, fiber, and essential fatty acids.
Historical Roots
- Cheesecake has ancient origins, with variations found in Greek, Roman, and European cuisines, evolving into the modern cheesecake we enjoy today.
Author Bio
Cooking Panda is a popular cooking blog dedicated to providing a wide range of delicious and easy-to-follow recipes. It caters to home cooks of all skill levels, offering everything from quick weeknight dinners to indulgent desserts. The blog aims to make cooking fun and accessible, with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and creative ideas to inspire culinary creativity in every kitchen.