Description
Zesty real deal no bake lemon cheesecake combines creamy richness with tangy citrus notes. Chilled dessert promises smooth texture and refreshing flavor that delights palates without requiring oven time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 packages cream cheese (24 oz or 750 g), full fat
- 2 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs (270 g)
- 1 ½ cups powdered icing sugar
- 3 tbsps fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- Zest of 2 lemons (1 if milder flavor desired)
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream (30-35% fat only)
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Line a springform pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of bottom and sides for seamless cake removal.
- Crust Formation: Blend graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, pressing mixture firmly across pan base and slightly up sides to create a sturdy, unified foundation.
- Cream Cheese Transformation: Whip cream cheese in a large bowl using an electric mixer until achieving a luxuriously smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Flavor Infusion: Introduce powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, blending until the mixture becomes a harmonious, creamy filling.
- Cream Elevation: Whip heavy cream in a separate bowl until developing voluminous, stiff peaks that maintain structural integrity when beater is lifted.
- Filling Integration: Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture using a spatula, preserving the delicate, airy texture with careful circular motions.
- Flavor Calibration: Adjust sweetness or citrus notes by adding extra lemon zest or powdered sugar to taste.
- Final Assembly: Transfer filling into graham cracker crust, using a spatula to create a pristine, level surface.
- Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate cheesecake for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight, allowing flavors to meld and texture to stabilize completely.
- Serving Presentation: Remove from refrigerator, adorn with additional whipped cream, and slice into elegant, precise portions.
Notes
- Crust Compaction Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a sturdy, uniform base that prevents crumbling and provides perfect texture.
- Cream Cheese Smoothing Strategy: Whip cream cheese at medium speed to eliminate lumps, ensuring a silky, velvety consistency crucial for a professional-looking cheesecake.
- Folding Finesse: Use gentle circular motions when incorporating whipped cream to maintain light, airy texture and prevent deflation of the delicate mixture.
- Chilling Commitment: Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and create a perfectly set, creamy cheesecake with enhanced taste profile.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 374
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg