If you’re in the mood for a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, this Lemonade Layer Cheesecake is just what you need. With a creamy lemonade-flavored layer on a buttery graham cracker crust, all topped with a luscious lemon curd, this cheesecake is the ultimate refreshing treat. It’s ideal for warm weather gatherings or when you simply want a dessert that’s a little different from the usual.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Lemonade Layer:
- 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 3 large eggs
- Yellow food coloring (optional)
For the Lemon Curd Topping:
- 1 cup lemon curd
- Fresh berries for garnish
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan to ensure the cheesecake doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and has the texture of wet sand.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, forming a firm crust layer.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once done, set it aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake layer.
3. Make the Lemonade Layer:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, ensuring everything is well blended.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- If you’d like to enhance the lemonade color, add a few drops of yellow food coloring and mix until evenly distributed.
4. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour the lemonade-flavored cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden.
- Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool inside with the oven door cracked open for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
5. Chill & Top:
- After the cheesecake has cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to fully set.
- Once chilled, spread the lemon curd evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
- Garnish with fresh berries just before serving to add a pop of color and extra flavor.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: Approx. 5 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: Approx. 400 kcal per slice
Tips for the Perfect Lemonade Layer Cheesecake
- Extra Burst of Flavor: For an even more intense lemon flavor, add a bit of extra lemon zest or a splash of lemon extract to the batter.
- Make-Ahead: This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare it the day before and let it chill overnight for the best texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and extra berries for a beautifully presented dessert.
Conclusion
Lemonade Layer Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that offers a refreshing twist on the classic cheesecake. With its vibrant lemon flavor and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just looking for a sweet treat, this cheesecake is the perfect choice.