This Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake is a delightful dessert with a zesty lemon flavor and a beautiful swirl of raspberry sauce. Its creamy texture, combined with the graham cracker crust, makes it a perfect treat for special occasions or simply when you crave something indulgent.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Swirl:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until well combined.
- Mix in the sour cream and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Make the Raspberry Swirl:
- In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Drop spoonfuls of the raspberry sauce over the cheesecake filling. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the raspberry sauce into the filling, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly puffed.
- Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Chill:
- After cooling in the oven, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 slices
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 6 hours (including chilling time)
Variations
- Berry Substitute: Try substituting the raspberries with strawberries or blueberries for a different fruity swirl.
- Crust Options: For a different crust, consider using crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cheesecake (without the raspberry swirl) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
10 FAQs
- Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, thaw them first before making the raspberry swirl. - Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
Absolutely, this cheesecake can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. - Can I skip the lemon zest?
The lemon zest adds extra flavor, but you can skip it if desired. - Can I use store-bought raspberry sauce?
Yes, but homemade raspberry sauce adds a fresher taste. - How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
Cooling the cheesecake gradually in the oven with the door slightly open helps prevent cracking. - Do I need a water bath for baking?
A water bath can help prevent cracking, but it’s not required for this recipe. - Can I use a different size pan?
You can use a 10-inch springform pan, but reduce the baking time slightly. - What type of cream cheese works best?
Full-fat cream cheese gives the richest texture, but you can use light cream cheese for a lighter option. - Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor. - Can I add more fruit to the cheesecake?
Yes, you can mix in extra fruit into the cheesecake batter for a chunkier texture.
Conclusion
This Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake is a delightful combination of tangy lemon and sweet raspberry flavors with a creamy, rich cheesecake base. It’s the perfect dessert for any special gathering, bringing both elegance and indulgence to the table. Enjoy every luscious bite!