How to Make the Best Lemon Cheesecake Recipe

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If you love cheesecake, you are going to love this family favorite recipe.  Today, let’s learn how to make the best lemon cheesecake recipe!best lemon cheesecake with pitcher of flowers

Today, I’m truly excited to be a part of the Spring Ideas Tour, hosted by my dear friend, Paula from Sweet Pea.  Paula has gotten together a week-long tour that features some of my favorite bloggers (and friends, of course).  Be sure to take a look at the end of this post for each day’s topic, and hop on over to each blog for some wonderful spring inspiration! You won’t be disappointed!

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HOW TO MAKE THE BEST LEMON CHEESECAKE

It seems to me, you either love cheesecake… or you hate it!  Well, let me tell you…

This dessert has been called the ‘best lemon cheesecake’ by A LOT of people… and has turned many cheesecake-haters into lovers!

Our family’s favorite lemon cheesecake recipe was handed down to us from my Grandma. Often requested by family members for special occasions, this creamy cheesecake (sometimes called a cream cheese pie) can be made with just a hint of lemon (to cut down the richness of the pie) or more, depending on your taste!  Adding a bit more lemon makes this a citrusy dessert that is perfect for spring!

A dollop of lemon or blueberry pie filling on top, and you’ve got a delicious (and easy) dessert that will make you the hit of a dinner party or potluck.  Oh, and of course it’s great for just the family while you #stayhome! 😉best lemon cheesecake with pitcher of flowers

If you are visiting My Wee Abode for the first time, so glad to meet you!  I hope to see you often here!

If you are one of the MWA family members, you know that recipes are not a ‘norm’ for this blog.  The first recipe (and only one besides this one) was my Holiday Nutmeg Cookies.  It was such a fun post to do, I thought a spring recipe might be something you would enjoy, too!

This post may contain affiliate links, at no additional cost to you.

For more information, see my complete disclosure HERE.

The Best Lemon Cheesecake Recipe

Here are some general directions, with photos, of how to make the best lemon cheesecake.  You can see exactly what your cream cheese pie should look like each step of the way. 

At the end of this post (just below the links and previews of the tour), you will find a detailed recipe card to print out or to keep on your phone.

  1. Crush your graham crackers for the homemade crust. Using a rolling pin is easiest for me. (You can use an already-made crust, but this homemade one is easy and so yummy!)
  2. Combine your graham cracker crust ingredients and blend with a pastry cutter or your hands.
  3. Press the crust ingredients into an 8 or 9-inch pie pan (I used a 9-inch pan).  Set aside. (If you use the 8-inch pan/dish, you will have plenty left for a mini cheesecake tart!)best lemon cheesecake steps for graham cracker crust
  4. (a) Mix the ingredients for your filling.  Don’t forget the lemon juice!  (Guess why I’m reminding you?  It was still yummy… just a little too rich. 😉 ) (b) Don’t over mix the filling… there will be some tiny lumps from the cream cheese. (c) Pour into the crust and bake in the oven.(Don’t overbake! The middle of the cheesecake should still be a little ‘wobbly’, about 2-3″ diameter… that’s good)best lemon cheesecake steps for mixing filling
  5. While the cake is in the oven, mix the topping, and set aside.  (Be sure to be on the lookout for hungry little “manchas”.)best lemon cheesecake topping ingredients in bowl
  6. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.  Gently pour the topping on the cheesecake and spread to the edges with a spatula.  Return to the oven and bake for 10 more minutes.best lemon cheesecake steps for mixing filling
  7. After the cheesecake has cooled a bit, refrigerate for 5 hours for best results. (Like my family waits that long. Hah!)

The Best Lemon Cheesecake – The Results Are In

This bright and silky lemon cheesecake reminds me of spring because, even though it is rich, the wee bit of citrus makes it quite refreshing, too… IF you don’t eat three pieces, that is!how to make the best lemon cheesecake on cake plate with dessert plate and pitcher of greenery

Adding a little garnish on top is easy and adds another touch of spring!best lemon cheesecake with pitcher of flowers

It was fun to style this cheesecake recipe with some spring greenery in a white pitcher. Adding some spring decor to your home can be uplifting to you AND your family alike!how to make the best lemon cheesecake on cake plate with dessert plate and pitcher of greenery

See, I told you my family rarely makes it the 5 hours in the fridge!best lemon cheesecake with girl trying to bite it

We added a spoon of… well, what does it look like to you?! 😉  My family teased me just a bit on this.best lemon cheesecake slice on plate with lemon curd on top

Again, this is a wonderful spring dessert recipe, especially if you add some lemon or blueberry filling on top of each slice!best lemon cheesecake slice on plate with lemon curd on top

best lemon cheesecake with pitcher of flowers

best lemon cheesecake with pitcher of flowers

Now It’s Your Turn

So, now that you have the absolutely BEST lemon cheesecake recipe EVER, will you be adding this to your family’s faves?  All the ingredients were easy to find, even during this #stayhome time.  Let me know what toppings you would put on it!

Remember to visit each of the bloggers on this week-long tour and don’t forget to come back tomorrow for the last day!  You’ll be blessed!

Next up on the tour is another dear friend, Michelle from Thistle Key Lane! She always has a wonderful recipe to share, and her home is LOVELY!

Remember, the recipe card us just below the tour links!

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Monday ~ MantelsSpring Ideas Tour - Mantels

Hearth and Vine | Postcards from the Ridge | Marty’s MusingsCalypso in the Country

Tuesday ~ TablescapesSpring Ideas Tour - Tablescapes

Lora Bloomquist | Our Southern Home | The Painted Hinge

Wednesday ~ DIYSpring Ideas Tour - DIYs and Crafts

Sweet Pea | 2 Bees in a Pod | The How to Home | Our Crafty MomWhat Meegan Makes

Thursday ~ RecipesSpring Ideas Tour - Recipes

My Wee Abode | Thistle Key Lane | Harbour Breeze Home | First Day of Home

Friday ~ Porches and DecksSpring Ideas Tour - Porches and Decks

Redhead Can Decorate | Worthing Court | Follow the Yellow Brick Home

best lemon cheesecake with pitcher of flowers

Best Lemon Cheesecake

Yield: 8 or 9-inch pie
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

These easy and delicious cheesecake recipe has just a touch of lemon and will soon become a family favorite!

Ingredients

KITCHEN TOOLS NEEDED

PIE CRUST

  • (1) Package of graham crackers, crushed
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup softened butter

CHEESECAKE FILLING

  • 1 1/2 packages of 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice (or 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind)
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

TOPPING

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 3 1/2 Tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Blend together crushed graham crackers, sugar, and butter with a pastry cutter or your hands.
  3. Press crust mixture into 8 or 9-inch pie dish and set aside. (If you use an 8-inch pan, you will have plenty left over to make a mini-pie or tart.)
  4. Mix together the CHEESECAKE FILLING ingredients (an electric mixer works best). There will be some small lumps in the mixture.
  5. Pour filling into crust approximately 1/2 inch from the top. This will leave room for the filling to expand while baking. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The center of the cheesecake should be a little wobbly. about 2-3" diameter.
  6. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. While cooling, mix the topping.
  7. Mix the TOPPING ingredients and gently pour over slightly cooled cheesecake. Spread over the entire top with a spatula. Bake for 10 more minutes.
  8. Remove from oven and cool until warm. For best results, refrigerate for 5 hours.
  9. Add optional toppings of lemon, cherry, or blueberry pie filling! Be creative and enjoy!

Notes

For an extra lemon-y cheesecake, double the amount of lemon juice!

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

 

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58 Comments

  1. Your cheesecake sounds divine and would surely be a hit at my house. Your crust recipe is unique to me as I’ve always made a graham cracker crust with melted butter. I’m intrigued by using softened butter and a pastry cutter for the crust and look forward to trying this crust recipe. I hope before too long that you can make another cheesecake to share with your family when it’s safe to once again visit.

    1. Yes to sharing with the family soon. Praying about this often! I think the softened butter instead of melted may keep the crumbs from getting too soft? Let me know what you think about the difference if you use the recipe.

    1. Let me know what you think! I’ve never seen or tasted this recipe before, though I know this was not my grandmother’s creation. And, I think Marie Calendar’s lemon cheese pie has a similar taste and creaminess.

  2. Yum! Julie your cheesecake sounds so light and refreshing. I am a chocolate lover but I do also really appreciate the tart freshness of a good tangy lemon dessert. I think this would be a good addition to our Easter dinner.

    1. I’m thinking of making a couple for Easter, as well! Praying that we all can be together for the day! Hugs, sweet friend!

  3. I make cheesecakes often for my friends and family. Lemon is a huge hit for spring and summer.

    I’m going to have to give your grandmother’s recipe a try. Don’t want to brag but I make fantastic cheesecake. Thanks for sharing!

    Stay well!

    Cindy

    1. I bet you do have a wonderful cheesecake recipe, Cindy! 😉 We probably all have a ‘best’ recipe, right?! Let me know what you think if you make it!

    1. Love touring with you, too, Michelle! I would love to be able to pick lemons from my backyard… You have lots of ‘food’ at your fingertips, it seems!

    1. Thanks, Holly! The amount the recipe calls for is so little, you can barely taste it. That’s why we add some lemon filling on the top… or any type of topping that we’re hankering for! 😉 Hope you are doing well, my friend!

  4. I can hardly wait to try it when I can have someone to share it with. It looks yummy! Your photography is beautiful!

    1. Thank you, Teresa! Can Jeff and your mom not have this? Let me know the next time you come out and we’ll try to plan a coffee/dessert night at MWA! 😉

  5. I have been craving lemon, and this recipe sounds wonderful! The graham cracker crust always does it for me; such a great combo with tart lemon. Just printed of and pinned!

    1. I’m with you on the crust, Lora… our family actually sprinkles some of the leftover baked crumbs on top for some added texture. (And my 27-year-old daughter… the “photo-bomber”, still nibbles on the uncooked concoction before I get it in the pan!) 😉

  6. That looks so delicious, Julie! I adore cheesecake and the touch of lemon sounds amazing. My birthday is Sunday and it’ll be difficult without all my family together. Maybe I’ll have my daughter who is home make this for me! Thanks so much for sharing!

    1. It’s super easy! Just don’t overbake it… it needs to have a little wobble about 2-3″ diameter in the center. 😉

  7. Oh. My. Word. This looks and sounds absolutely delicious! I love lemon and it’s been a while since I’ve made (or eaten) anything lemony so I think making this is somewhat mandatory. Thank you for sharing your delightful and delicious inspiration. xo, mb

  8. Yummy, yum, yum, my friend! I love lemon pies, and I love cheesecake. This one is meant for ME! Your family photobombing the photos cracked me up, too! I can totally relate to little hands sneaking in while I’m cooking. The lemon dollop looks great, too. (wink) Pinning, of course!

    1. Wink back at ya, girl! Yes… Nika was feeling a bit silly that day, and it was fun to get her in the photos… the first one was a surprise, as Mark took the photo when I wasn’t looking. I hope you get to make this for a special treat for your fam… the ingredients seem easy enough to find right now. Thanks for pinning! All the hugs!

  9. This looks so yummy and just happens to be my daughters favorite dessert. Cant wait to give this one a try. Sydney will be so happy!!

    1. Yes, it’s actually SUPER easy to make. The tricky thing is not overbaking or undertaking… that ‘wobble’ is pretty important! Let me know if you make it, sister!

  10. Cheesecake is one of my family’s favorite dessert and this one looks amazing! I think we’ll have to try this next week. Thank you for sharing. Pinned!

    1. I don’t know how I’m missing these comments! You are one of several I didn’t see until today! So weird! Let me know if you DO try it… I want some now! LOL! (I had some for Easter, but this is SO yummy!)

    1. Perfect for Mother’s Day… although my daughter’s pazookies may be on my wish list this year. 😉

    1. Thank you so much, Bev… will be by in a bit. We had a little one added to the family yesterday, so things are bit hectic!

  11. You have just made me love cheesecake even more, Julie! I don’t think I have ever had lemon cheesecake, and now I am thinking I need one now. I love lemon bars, lemon meringue pie, lemon cookies… I’m thinking this cheesecake would be worth a day of WW points. 🙂

    1. It was our Christmas dessert last year. I only made one, and then a pecan pie, because usually the family is too full to eat dessert. But the older grandchildren (my nieces and nephews) seem to discover the cheesecake for the first time! It was gone, and they all wanted more!

  12. I love this. I would love it if you would share this on The Fabulous Friday Link Party this Friday. You can find the link on my website. Hugs to you.

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