Easy, perfectly creamy and smooth lemon cheesecake, lighter in texture than some, but full of cream cheese flavour and a touch of lemon. Made with a graham cracker crust.
Why you'll love this easy lemon cheesecake recipe
This cheesecake is perfect, in my opinion. The smooth and creamy texture is everything I want from a cheesecake. While it's lighter in texture than some other cheesecake's I have made, there is plenty of that lovely cream cheese flavour I want, with just the right amount of lemon flavour.
You'll love how easy this lemon cheesecake is. Simply mix and bake. No lemon curd to make or whipped cream to whip. Garnish simply and enjoy.
And what's more, this cheesecake is wonderfully easy and endlessly adaptable to any variety of citrus flavours.
Ingredient Notes
✓ Cream Cheese: You will 2 standard, 8 oz block of cream cheese (not the Whipped kind). Use full-fat cream cheese as the additives and extra moisture of the reduced fat cream cheese can negatively affect both the taste and texture of your finished cheesecake.
✓ Sour Cream: Again, use a full-fat sour cream here for best results. For a reduced fat option, go with full-fat Greek yogurt instead of a reduced fat sour cream.
✓ Lemons: I love Meyer Lemons when they are in season. If Meyer lemons aren't available regular lemons are just fine. You will need 1 medium-sized regular lemon or 2 of the smaller Meyer lemons. Other citrus such as orange or grapefruit could also be used here.
✓ Graham Cracker Crumbs: I love the convenience of Graham Cracker Crumbs, though you can start with whole graham crackers and process them down to crumbs yourself, then measure out. Alternately, you could use vanilla wafer cookies that you process down to crumbs in the same amount.
✓ Additional ingredients you will need: Light brown sugar, butter, eggs and salt.
Cook's Notes
- Starting with your cream cheese at room temperature will make your life so much easier when it comes to making cheesecakes! The batter will blend more completely and evenly and that will help to prevent cracks in your finished cake. Allow a couple of hours on the counter for cream cheese blocks to loose their chill.
- Be sure to really get into your food processor and hunt out chunks of cream cheese as your process it. I found some stuck underneath the large blades in mine, so be sure to use a tool that will allow you to get under there, as you usually can't remove the blade mid-processing.
- If you don't have a food processor, you could use a blender (with a very light touch, as you don't want it to get frothy and incorporate too much air) or alternately, try a stand-mixer with the paddle attachment.
- You can use either an 8 or 9-inch springform pan. I have used an 8-inch here, as I like the extra height in my cheesecakes. If using an 8-inch, you won't need quite all of the crust crumb. Remove 1/2 cup and set aside. If you like, you can save it and sprinkle a bit around the outside edge of the finished cheesecake. For the 9-inch pan, use all the crumbs in the base.
- If you are like me, you might be skeptical of the short baking time. Trust it! Your cheesecake is done when there is still some jiggle in the very centre of the cake (the centre 3 or 4 inches), or so, but the outside looks set and puffy. Give the pan a gently tug to test for jiggle.
Top Tip
If your springform pan happens to be black, your cheesecake will cook more quickly as the dark colour will attract and retain heat. To compensate, either reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees F. or test your cheesecake up to 10 minutes earlier than the stated baking time.
Homemade Cheesecake FAQ
How to prevent cracks in your cheesecake
- Use room temperature cream cheese.
- Make sure there are no lumps in your cheesecake batter.
- Avoid opening the oven door during baking until near the end of baking, when you need to test.
- Don't over-bake. A cheesecake is done when there is a sill a little jiggle in the middle, but the edges are set and puffy.
- Don't remove the cheesecake from the oven right away. Sudden changes in temperature can cause the cheesecake to crack. Simply turn the oven off and stick a wooden spoon in the door to have it slightly ajar. Allow to sit in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or as specified in the individual recipe.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature before refrigerating, again, to avoid a sudden temperature change.
- Cooking cheesecakes in a water bath is often recommended. This would involve double wrapping outside of the springform pan in aluminum foil, then placing it inside a larger baking pan. Right after placing the cheesecake in the oven to bake, fill the outer pan with boiling water halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan. The additional humidity and more even baking is thought to prevent cracking.
How to know when your cheesecake is done
To check if your cheesecake is done: the cheesecake should look set and puffy on the outer edges. Gently shake the pan. If only a small 3-4 inch circle in the centre of the cheesecake jiggles slightly, it is done. The centre will firm up during the cooling time.The cheesecake should not be allowed to brown at all. Do not use a knife to check doneness, as you will leave that knife mark in your finished cake.
How long to cool your cheesecake before refrigerating
Always let your cheesecake cool completely in the pan, at room temperature, before refrigerating. This prevents a sudden temperature change which can cause cracking. Cool at least 1 hour at room temperature or up to 3 hours.
Refrigerating your cheesecake
Once cooled completely, you can either leave in the pan to refrigerate or remove from the pan to refrigerate on a plate. I find leaving it in the pan keeps it nice and secure in the refrigerator. I like to cover the top of the pan with plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, to keep the plastic wrap securely on top.
Refrigerate your cheesecake for at least one hour or up to to 24 hours. Generally, the longer the better, in my opinion. To remove the cheesecake from the pan after refrigerating, simply remove the sides of the pan (the cheesecake should have contracted away from the sides already) the gently nudge the crumb base until it loosens from the bottom pan and slide onto your serving plate.
Storing or freezing your cheesecake
Room temperature: A cheesecake can be kept at room temperature up to 6 hours, either for cooling or after refrigerating and serving (on a party table, for example).
Refrigerating: Cheesecake will keep in the fridge up to 5 days, though it's quality decreases slightly after about 3 days (crust gets soggier and the cheesecake can pick up fridge odours).
Freezing: Any cheesecake made with full-fat cream cheese/sour cream will freeze well. Tightly wrapped, cheesecake can be frozen up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge, on the counter or microwave lightly.
Recipe
Simply Perfect Lemon Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 Tbsp light brown sugar
- 6 Tbsp butter, melted, salted or unsalted
- Pinch salt, if using unsalted butter or omit for salted butter
For the filling:
- 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature, 2 standard sized blocks (not Whipped
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream, or full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 - 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon zest
- 2 - 3 Tbsp lemon juice, see Note 2
- Pinch salt
For garnish:
- Sliced citrus, fresh blueberries, mint leaves, icing sugar, Optional, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325F (not fan-assisted/not convection)
- Make the Crust: Add graham cracker crumbs to a medium bowl and stir in the brown sugar. Pour the melted butter overtop, then stir until all the crumbs are moistened and have a wet sand texture. Add a pinch of salt if you used unsalted butter.
- *If using an 8-inch springform pan, remove 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture, as you won't need it all for the base. You can reserve to sprinkle on top of the finished cake, if you like (sprinkle around the outside edge in a ring).
- Press the moist crumb mixture into the bottom of your springform pan. Use the bottom of a dry measuring cup to make sure the crust is really pressed down, to make it easiest to cut later on.
- Bake the crust until it is lightly golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool. Leave oven on and set at 325F.
- Make the Filling: Combine the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream and granulated sugar in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture is extremely smooth and well blended, a minute or two. Remove the lid of the food processor and scrape down the sides and bottom of the food processor and try to reach under the blades if you can, to fine and incorporate any stubborn chunks of cream cheese. Process again briefly after scraping. (Getting a perfectly smooth batter at this point is important to prevent cracks in your finished cake, so take the time here to make sure it's well blended and smooth).
- Add the eggs, lemon juice and zest and a pinch of salt and keep processing until it’s super smooth and creamy, another 30 seconds or so.
- Pour the filling into the baked crust *You may have some leftover filling if you are using a regular cake pan.
- Bake in preheated 325F oven until mostly set, with a little jiggle in the centre 3-4 inches, with the outsides looking set and puffy, about 20 to 30 minutes. The filling should not brown at all. Don't over-cook, as this can cause your cheesecake to crack.
- Turn the oven off and open the door a crack (inserting a wooden spoon in the crack will help it say open). Let the cheesecake sit in the oven for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack on the counter to cool completely.
- Once cooled completely, over the top of the springform pan with plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
- To serve, remove from springform pan. Topping option: citrus slices, a scattering of blueberries or blackberries, a mint leaf and a dusting of icing sugar, if you like.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information provided for general guidance only and should not be relied upon to make personal health decisions.
Adapted from an Alison Roman recipe
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Hi! I'm Jennifer, a home-cook of many years and a lifelong seeker of delicious food! I'm an equal opportunity eater. I enjoy eating all the foods!
Bex Newton says
This was my first time making cheesecake and it worked great. Got the thumbs up from the family and have had to show some restraint from eating more cheesecake when I am beyond full.
Will definitely be making this again
Jennifer says
So glad to hear, Bex :) Thanks so much!
Jenna says
This turned out amazing. I followed the recipe exactly and didn’t bother with a water bath. It still came out perfect! The lemon flavor was not overwhelming. This is one of the easiest recipes I’ve followed and I’m definitely saving it to make again in the future!
Jennifer says
So glad to hear, Jenna! Thanks so much :)
Jennifer says
Love this recipe! Turned out perfect and lemony. Added a sprinkle of cinnamon, dash of vanilla and almond extract to the crust
Jennifer says
So glad you enjoyed it, Jennifer :) Thanks so much!
Teresa says
Made it twice already! Everyone loved it. Beginning baker here and this was super easy to make. Thank you for the recipe! I will be making more of these for sure. One question: if I make 1/2 batch (with only one block of cream cheese), what size cake pan should I use?? Thanks
Jennifer says
Hi Teresa and so glad you are enjoying it! For a 1/2 recipe, I think I would try a 6-inch pan.
Judi says
Instead of sour cream or yogurt can you use ricotta and if yes how much. Thank you.
Jennifer says
Hi Judi, I have no idea, as I've never tried it. It would definitely affect the texture, as ricotta is not as smooth as sour cream. I'm afraid I haven't got much guidance for you here. If you try it, let me know how it works out.
Sheila says
Can lime be substituted for lemon in this cheesecake
Jennifer says
Hi Sheila and yes, it can. Enjoy!
Charmaine says
I've made this a few times now. It's become a family favorite and was even requested for my grandmother's 100th birthday. I love to serve it with fresh berries. It's the perfect summer dessert!
Jennifer says
So glad you are enjoying it, Charmaine and happy birthday to your grandmother!! Thanks so much :)
Reine Anne Mac Donald says
Could you put a lemon curd on top of this cheesecake
Jennifer says
Yes, you could and it would be extra lovely :)
Reine Anne Mac Donald says
Thank you I am going to make today and wait until tomorrow to cut thanks again have a great day and stay safe😷
Tracy says
Can I use this recipe (minus the crust) as the middle layer of a cake? Is there any reason to think the cheesecake will squish out or be different than other cakes that have a cheesecake middle layer? Thanks.
Jennifer says
Hi Tracy, I have never tried it with this cheesecake, but this is pretty much as expected consistency for a cheesecake.
Julie Stone says
I didn’t even use a water bath and the top was flawless! I wish I could post a photo.😆 And, it was absolutely delicious. I used the higher amount of zest and juice and it was the perfect amount of lemon. Thanks for the recipe!
Jennifer says
So glad to hear, Julie! Thanks so much :)
Laura Migliore says
Delicious. I love cheesecake and lemon so decided to try this. First I loved the crust. Nice and think and perfectly sweetened with the brown sugar. My springform pan is a 9 inch, so all the crust fit nicely. One tip I use is to use a parchment round on the base of my pan. Makes it a breeze to slide off onto a pretty cake stand or plate. We couldnt wait and had to have a little taste last night before it really chilled. It was so creamy with a perfect lemon flavor. I used 2 slightly full Tbsp of fresh lemon juice, and the zest of 2 lemons. I didnt get as much zest off of them as the recipe called for, but thats what I had and it was perfect for me. Cant wait for a slice today after it has been in the fridge overnight. This is definitely going to be a repeat recipe.
Jennifer says
So glad to hear, Laura :) Thanks and enjoy!
ShellR says
I followed your directions to a T and it couldn't have turned out more perfect. It was the best lemon cheesecake that I have ever had. I'm curious if one wanted to try it plain would you add vanilla or simply omit the fresh lemon and zest? Thank you for a no fail, amazing recipe!
Jennifer says
So glad to hear :) Thanks! As for a plain one, you could just omit the lemon and it would be fine, especially if you are topping it with something. I might sneak a little vanilla into the mix if you plan to eat it plain.
Emma says
Made this today and it was a struggle waiting for it to cool down, but it was definitely worth the wait! I thought it was the perfect amount of lemon. For some reason I have always been intimidated by cheesecake but for my first one I think I nailed it. Couldn’t have done it without this awesome recipe though!
Jennifer says
Yay! So glad you tried this one, Emma. And now you can sit back and enjoy this delicious cheesecake :) Thanks!
Leanne says
My husband gives the same type of feedback. While he's getting better with providing some more detailed feedback, I still rely on family and friends for their feedback. This cheesecake, however, does look perfect. So I think your husband was spot on!
Jennifer says
Thanks Leanne and good to know I'm not the only one! I think it's a 'husband' thing :)
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I love lemony desserts Jennifer. Truth be told, even more so than chocolate desserts. And my husband Tom absolutely loves cheesecake. Need to try your recipe soon!
Jennifer says
Thanks Mary Ann and me, too!
Chris Scheuer says
This looks spectacular! I think your husband is more astute than you might think :)
Jennifer says
Thanks Chris and yes, I have no doubt he is astute. Getting it out of him is always the problem. Ne has a limited food "vocabulary" :)
Tricia B says
We're thinking alike these days Jennifer! Lemon cheesecake is next on my list :) I hope mine turns out as beautiful as yours. The texture looks incredible. I bet this is so tasty. Pinned!
Jennifer says
Great minds think alike :) It was such a nice treat and really brightened up February!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
I LOVE lemon in desserts and I especially love cheesecake! Nice idea to switch up with grapefruit or orange too. I've gotta try this one...would be perfect to celebrate Valentine's day with...we're staying home and this would be a lovely addition to our meal :) Pinned!
Jennifer says
Thanks Dawn and yes, it would be perfect for Valentine's and nice that it can be made ahead and enjoyed later!