Lemon cheesecake is a delightful twist on the classic cheesecake, combining the rich, creamy texture of the traditional dessert with a bright, tangy lemon flavor.
The base is typically made with a graham cracker crust, while the filling includes cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and a generous amount of lemon juice and zest.
The result is a refreshing and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a balance of sweet and tart that complements the creamy richness of the cheesecake.
Ingredients:
- Crust:
3/4 cup crushed graham crackers (6 full sheets) - 2 Tbsp (26g) granulated sugar
- 3 Tbsp (42g) salted butter, melted.
Mousse:
- 2 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 Tbsp water
- 1 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin powder
- 1 1/2 cups (355ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (110g) powdered sugar, divided
- Yellow food coloring (optional)
- 12 oz (340g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10 oz) jar lemon curd (tested with Dickenson’s).
- Sweetened whipped cream , lemon wedges, blueberries and mint for garnish (optional).
PREPARATION:
- In a mixing bowl whisk together graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pour in butter and stir until evenly moistened. Divide mixture among 8 – 10 dessert cups and lightly press into an even layer, set aside.
- Pour lemon juice and water into a small bowl. Sprinkle gelatin evenly over top, let rest 5 minutes. Meanwhile, whip heavy cream in a medium mixing bowl until soft peaks form.
- Add in 1/3 cup of the powdered sugar, tint with yellow food coloring if desired and whip until stiff (but not lumpy) peaks form (shake cream from beaters, no need to clean).
- In a separate large mixing bowl whip cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Mix lemon curd and remaining 2/3 cup powdered sugar into cream cheese mixture.
- Heat rested gelatin mixture in the microwave on high power for 30 seconds. Whisk for 1 minute to thoroughly dissolve gelatin, then let cool 3 minutes (no longer or it may start to set then you could end up with little lumps in the mousse).
- While mixing cream cheese mixture with hand mixer, slowly pour in gelatin mixture then blend until thoroughly combined.
- Gently fold 1/3 of the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese mixture to lighten, then add remaining whipped cream and gently fold until combined.
- Spoon or pipe mixture into dessert cups over graham cracker layer. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours (or up to 1 day ahead if desired) to set. Garnish as desired. Serve cold.
enjoy!