Rich Luscious Lemon Cheesecake

Total Time
Prep: 20 min. Bake: 1 hour + chilling

Updated on Sep. 14, 2023

"I'm always greeted with oohs and aahs when I bring out this exquisite dessert," relates Kaaren Jurack of Manassas, Virginia. "It has a wonderful lemony flavor, silky texture and rich sour cream topping. The addition of nuts to a traditional graham cracker crust makes it especially delectable."

Test Kitchen Approved

Rich Luscious Lemon Cheesecake

Yield: 14 servings
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 1 hour 15 min

Ingredients

  • crust:
    • 1-1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 20 squares)
    • 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts
    • 1/4 cup sugar
    • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • filling:
    • 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
    • 1-1/4 cups sugar
    • 4 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • topping:
    • 2 cups sour cream
    • 1/4 cup sugar
    • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. In a bowl, combine the crumbs, nuts and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom of a greased 10-in. springform pan; set aside. in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, beating on low speed just until combined. Stir in the lemon juice, zest and vanilla; beat just until blended. Pour into crust.
  2. Bake at 350° for 55 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from the oven; let stand for 5 minutes. Combine topping ingredients; spread over filling. Return to the oven for 5 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
  3. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing.
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