Ingredients
Scale
For the Raspberry Sauce:
- 1½ cups fresh raspberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 15 whole graham crackers)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Lemon Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 ounces (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract or lemon extract paste
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Instructions
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Prepare the Raspberry Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
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Make the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even layer.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
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Prepare the Lemon Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar and mix until well incorporated.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Blend in sour cream, heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon extract until smooth.
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Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
- Drizzle half of the raspberry sauce over the filling.
- Pour the remaining cheesecake filling on top.
- Drizzle the remaining raspberry sauce on top and use a knife to gently swirl it into the filling for a marbled effect.
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Bake the Cheesecake:
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
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Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping:
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
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Serve:
- Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer to a serving plate.
- Pipe or spread the whipped cream on top.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon zest, if desired.