Lemon Cheesecake

Lemon Cheesecake: Refreshing, Creamy, and Flavorful

If you're looking for a dessert that perfectly combines the pleasant acidity of lemon with the creamy texture of cheese, then the Lemon Cheesecake recipe is the ideal choice! This dessert is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it perfect for warm days or any occasion where you want to impress. I will present you with the necessary steps, useful tips, and some interesting information about the ingredients used. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 3-4 hours
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 200 g whole grain biscuits (I recommend biscuits without baking soda for a purer taste)
- 200 g butter (melted)
- Zest of 1 lemon

For the lemon curd:
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
- A pinch of salt
- 75 g granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream

For the cream cheese:
- 125 g Philadelphia cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 250 g Hulala whipped cream (or heavy cream with a packet of gelatin, if you prefer)
- 100 ml lemon juice
- 200 g sugar
- Zest of two lemons

Step 1: Preparing the crust

To achieve a delicious and crunchy crust, start by grinding the whole grain biscuits until they become a fine powder. Choose high-quality biscuits, as they will give your dessert a special flavor.

1. In a bowl, combine the crushed biscuits with the melted butter and lemon zest. Add the lemon juice for an extra flavor boost. Mix well until the mixture becomes homogeneous.
2. Line a round baking pan with a diameter of 22 cm (or smaller for a taller cheesecake) with parchment paper. Pour the biscuit mixture into the pan and press it evenly with the bottom of a glass or a spatula to create a compact layer.

Step 2: Preparing the lemon curd

Lemon curd is the cream that will give your dessert that tangy and fresh note.

1. In a heatproof bowl, combine the egg, egg white, salt, sugar, and lemon juice. Place the bowl over a pot of gently boiling water (bain-marie) and stir constantly until the mixture thickens, resembling a pudding.
2. Remove from heat and add the butter and cream, mixing until you obtain a smooth cream. Set aside a quarter of the lemon curd for decoration and let the rest cool.

Step 3: Preparing the cream cheese

Now comes the easiest and most enjoyable part!

1. In a tall bowl, use a mixer to beat the cream cheese, whipped cream, sugar, and lemon juice. Beat until the mixture becomes light and airy, similar to whipped cream consistency.
2. Add the lemon zest and gently mix to combine flavors.

Step 4: Assembling the cheesecake

1. Add the cooled lemon curd to the cream cheese mixture and carefully fold it in using a spatula to avoid losing air in the mixture.
2. Pour this mixture over the biscuit crust in the pan and level it with a spatula.
3. Decorate with the reserved lemon curd and place the cheesecake in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours, until it sets.

Serving and variations

To add extra flavor, you can serve the cheesecake with a glaze of fresh fruit or caramel sauce. Additionally, adding some mint leaves on top will give an elegant look and fresh aroma.

Useful tips

1. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps from forming in the mixture.
2. If using heavy cream instead of Hulala whipped cream, don't forget the gelatin! This will help stabilize the cream.
3. You can adapt the recipe using other flavors, such as oranges or limes, to create interesting variations.

Nutritional benefits

Lemon Cheesecake is a good source of calcium from cheese and provides antioxidants from lemon. However, it is important to consume the dessert in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content from butter and cream.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use gluten-free biscuits?
Yes, you can use gluten-free biscuits, and the dessert will be just as delicious!

2. How can I make the cheesecake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use natural sweeteners.

3. Can I freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, the cheesecake can be frozen, but it is recommended to thaw it in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to get cooking! Your Lemon Cheesecake will surely be a hit at any table! Enjoy!