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Cherry Lemon Cheesecake slice with cherry topping and lemon zest on graham cracker crust

Cherry Lemon Cheesecake – A Zesty Dessert with Sweet & Tart Harmony


Description

Cherry Lemon Cheesecake is the ultimate fusion of creamy richness and vibrant citrus flavor, topped with a burst of juicy cherries that makes every bite irresistible.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
  • 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
  • ½ cup water
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt until combined.
  3. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 8–10 minutes. Cool completely.
  4. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
  5. Gradually add sugar, then eggs one at a time.
  6. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and sour cream (if using).
  7. Pour over crust and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 50–60 minutes until center is slightly jiggly.
  9. Turn off oven, crack door, and rest for 30 minutes. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
  10. In a saucepan, combine cherries, water, and sugar. Simmer.
  11. Add lemon juice and almond extract (if using).
  12. Mix cornstarch with water and stir in. Cook 5–7 minutes until thickened. Cool.
  13. Top chilled cheesecake with cherry mixture and chill another 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use a water bath to prevent cracks and always cool gradually. Wipe knife clean between slices for neat presentation.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 27g
  • Sodium: 310mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: cherry lemon cheesecake, cheesecake, cherry topping, lemon dessert, summer dessert