Zesty Cherry Lemon Cheesecake Recipe: Sweet-Tart Dream Dessert

Creamy and tangy, this cherry lemon cheesecake recipe promises a delightful dessert experience that’ll make taste buds dance with joy.

Sweet cherries and zesty lemon create a vibrant flavor combination that sings on the palate.

The silky smooth cheesecake base melts like velvet, complemented by a buttery graham cracker crust.

Each slice offers a perfect balance of tart and sweet notes that leave you craving more.

Summer gatherings or weekend treats come alive with this stunning dessert.

The bright colors and rich textures make this cheesecake a showstopper on any table.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and treat yourself to a slice of pure culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients That Make Cherry Lemon Cheesecake Recipe Pop

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a buttery, crisp foundation that adds delightful texture and classic cheesecake character.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the crust's sweetness and helps bind ingredients together.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, golden binding agent that helps the crust hold its shape.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers smooth, luxurious base with tangy richness that defines cheesecake's signature taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances cream cheese's tanginess and provides gentle sweetness.
• Eggs: Acts as natural thickener and binding agent to create silky, stable texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and subtle tang, contributing to velvety consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth to complement other flavors.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Brings bright, zesty notes that cut through richness and elevate overall flavor profile.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Offers vibrant color and sweet-tart contrast to creamy cheesecake base.
• Fresh Lemon Zest: Provides optional garnish with citrusy, aromatic finish.

Useful Items For Cherry Lemon Cheesecake Recipe

• Springform Pan: Essential 9-inch pan with removable sides for easy cheesecake release.
• Electric Mixer: Powerful tool to cream cheese and blend ingredients smoothly.
• Mixing Bowls: Medium and large bowls for preparing crust and filling.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for accurate ingredient mixing.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy cake removal.
• Zester/Grater: Perfect for creating fine lemon zest.
• Spatula: Helps spread filling evenly and scrape bowl edges.
• Oven: For baking crust and cheesecake at specified temperature.

How To Layer Cherry Lemon Cheesecake Recipe Just Right

• Crust Foundation

Create a buttery base using crushed graham crackers pressed into a springform pan. Bake briefly to set the foundation for your dreamy dessert.

• Creamy Cheesecake Mixture

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth, incorporating zesty lemon essence and rich dairy components. Whip ingredients gently to create a luxurious, velvety texture that promises decadent bites.

• Baking Magic

Pour the luscious mixture over the golden crust. Slide into a warm oven, allowing gentle heat to transform the liquid into a cloudlike cheesecake. Watch for subtle wobbling at the center, signaling perfect doneness.

• Cooling Transformation

Allow the cheesecake to rest and settle after baking. Place in the refrigerator to develop deep, complex flavors and achieve a firm, elegant consistency.

• Cherry Finale

Lavish the chilled cheesecake with a vibrant cherry topping. Sprinkle delicate lemon zest for a bright, citrusy accent that elevates the entire dessert.

• Serving Delight

Carefully release the springform pan, slice into elegant wedges, and present your stunning creation to eager dessert lovers.

Tips To Sweeten Up Cherry Lemon Cheesecake Recipe

• Baking Brilliance: Mastering Your Cherry Lemon Cheesecake
• Crumb Consistency: Press graham cracker crust firmly and evenly to create a solid, uniform base that won't crumble when slicing. A flat-bottomed measuring cup works perfectly for compacting the crust.
• Temperature Triumph: Always use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure smooth, lump-free filling. Cold ingredients can create uneven texture and potential cracking during baking.
• Water Bath Wonder: Place the springform pan in a larger water bath during baking to create even, gentle heat distribution. This technique prevents surface cracks and promotes silky-smooth cheesecake texture.
• Dietary Flexibility: For gluten-free version, swap graham crackers with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs. Lactose-sensitive bakers can substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew or coconut-based cream cheese.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This cheesecake tastes even better after 24 hours of chilling, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper, more complex taste profile. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Plating Cherry Lemon Cheesecake Recipe Nicely

• Zesty Dessert Companion: Fresh whipped cream adds a luxurious cloud-like texture that complements the tangy cherry and lemon flavors perfectly.
• Summer Brunch Delight: Serve chilled alongside a light mimosa or sparkling prosecco to elevate the entire dining experience with elegant refreshment.
• Decorative Garnish Magic: Sprinkle fresh mint leaves or edible flowers around the cheesecake slice to create a visually stunning presentation that impresses guests instantly.
• Texture Contrast Surprise: Scatter toasted almond slivers on top to introduce a delightful crunch that breaks through the creamy cheesecake smoothness.

How To Chill Cherry Lemon Cheesecake Recipe The Right Way

• Quick Fridge Storage: Wrap the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping its delicious flavor and creamy texture intact.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire cheesecake 2-3 days before serving. This strategy allows flavors to meld and develop, creating an even more delectable dessert for special occasions.
• Freezing Friendly: Slice the cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake stays fresh for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Serving Smart: Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving. This slight warming helps soften the texture and enhances the rich, creamy taste. Slice with a clean, sharp knife dipped in hot water for perfect, clean cuts.

Tangy Cherry Lemon Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy cherry lemon cheesecake blends tangy citrus with sweet cherries in a delightful dessert. Silky layers and buttery crust promise a memorable culinary experience you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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• 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 (21 oz / 595 g) can cherry pie filling
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• Optional: additional lemon zest for garnish

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers with sugar and melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into a springform pan’s base. Briefly toast in a preheated 325F oven until golden brown, creating a crisp foundation.
2. Filling Creation: Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually blending in sugar. Incorporate eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and sour cream, ensuring a homogeneous and luxurious texture. Mix thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps.
3. Baking Process: Pour the velvety filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly. Bake in the oven until edges become firm and the center maintains a delicate wobble, signaling the perfect custard-like consistency.
4. Cooling Technique: After baking, leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open, allowing for a gradual temperature reduction. This method prevents surface cracking and promotes even cooling.
5. Chilling and Setting: Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate the cheesecake for several hours or overnight. This resting period enhances flavor development and ensures a perfect set.
6. Final Presentation: Before serving, adorn the chilled cheesecake with a luscious layer of cherry pie filling. Optionally, sprinkle additional lemon zest for a vibrant, aromatic garnish. Carefully release the springform pan and slice into elegant portions.

Notes

• Prevent Cracking Surface: Cool the cheesecake gradually inside the oven with door slightly open to minimize surface cracks and ensure smooth, uniform texture.
• Ingredient Temperature Matters: Bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing to achieve smooth, lump-free batter and consistent creamy consistency.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Let the cheesecake rest overnight in the refrigerator to develop more complex, integrated flavors and allow proper setting of the custard-like filling.
• Control Baking Moisture: Place a water bath underneath the cheesecake pan during baking to create humid environment, preventing dry edges and promoting even, gentle cooking process.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg