Indulgent, creamy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor, a Lemon White Chocolate Cheesecake is a dessert that embodies pure delight. This delightful creation marries the tanginess of lemon with the sweetness of white chocolate, resulting in a decadent treat that’s perfect for special occasions or any time you crave a touch of elegance on your dessert table.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps of creating this exquisite cheesecake—from the buttery graham cracker crust to the luscious lemon-infused cheesecake filling, all crowned with billowy whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest. Each component harmonizes to deliver a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz white chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Make the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or measuring cup to pack it down firmly.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the melted white chocolate until the filling is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
- Tap the pan gently on the countertop to release any air bubbles.
- Place the pan on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Chill the Cheesecake:
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 1 hour.
- Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely chilled and set.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the top of the cheesecake with lemon zest for a vibrant finish.
- Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy this luscious Lemon White Chocolate Cheesecake as a delightful dessert!
This cheesecake combines the bright flavors of lemon with the sweetness of white chocolate, creating a heavenly treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Each creamy bite is a burst of citrusy and indulgent goodness!
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