Description
A creamy cheesecake infused with tangy lemon zest and swirled with sweet strawberry puree, perfect for summer gatherings or a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for strawberry puree)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor. Mix with melted butter and press firmly into the bottom of a greased springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
- Blend fresh strawberries with a tablespoon of sugar until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Set aside.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar and mix until combined. Add eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is creamy and lump-free.
- Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the crust. Dollop spoonfuls of strawberry puree on top and use a toothpick or skewer to create swirls. Repeat with the remaining batter and puree.
- Wrap the bottom of the springform pan in aluminum foil. Place the pan in a roasting dish and fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the pan. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Notes
For a smoother batter, use room-temperature ingredients. A water bath prevents cracks and ensures even cooking. If cracks appear, cover with whipped cream or fresh strawberries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: cheesecake, strawberry lemon, summer dessert, fruit swirl, creamy cheesecake