Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing Flavor Combination: The zesty lemon pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart raspberry, creating a harmonious and refreshing taste.
- Creamy Texture: The smooth and velvety cheesecake filling offers a luxurious mouthfeel that melts in your mouth.
- Elegant Presentation: The marbled raspberry swirls not only add a pop of color but also make for an impressive dessert presentation.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This cheesecake can be prepared in advance, making it convenient for entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Swirl:
- ½ cup lemon curd
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Raspberry Swirl:
- ½ cup raspberry puree
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form an even crust layer.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the sour cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully combined.
- Prepare the Swirls:
- Lemon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the lemon curd with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until smooth.
- Raspberry Swirl: In another small bowl, combine the raspberry puree with 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of the lemon and raspberry mixtures over the filling.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the mixtures into the filling, creating a marbled effect.
- Pour the remaining cheesecake filling over the swirled layer and smooth the top.
- Add additional dollops of the lemon and raspberry mixtures on top and swirl gently for a decorative finish.
- Bake:
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for about 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Chill:
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
- Once cooled, cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to fully set.
- Serve:
- Before serving, run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake.
- Release the springform pan and transfer the cheesecake to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries, lemon zest curls, and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
- Slice and enjoy this luscious dessert!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 slices
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 50-60 minutes
- Cooling and Chilling Time: At least 5 hours (including cooling and refrigeration)
- Total Time: Approximately 6 hours
Variations
- Berry Medley Swirl: Substitute the raspberry puree with a mixture of berries such as blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a mixed berry swirl.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Citrus Twist: Incorporate orange or lime zest and juice in place of lemon for a different citrus flavor profile.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top of the cheesecake before serving for an added
- Print
Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake
Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake is a creamy, tangy, and visually stunning dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich lemon-infused cheesecake filling, and vibrant raspberry swirls. Perfect for special occasions or a refreshing treat!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: ~6 hours
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert, Cheesecake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Swirl:
- ½ cup lemon curd
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Raspberry Swirl:
- ½ cup raspberry puree
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
Preheat & Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
- Press mixture firmly into the pan and set aside.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla and mix well.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Mix in sour cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
3. Prepare the Swirls:
- Lemon Swirl: Mix lemon curd with lemon juice.
- Raspberry Swirl: Stir raspberry puree with sugar.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Pour half of the filling over the crust.
- Drop spoonfuls of lemon and raspberry mixtures.
- Swirl with a knife or skewer.
- Pour remaining filling over the top and repeat the swirling process.
5. Bake:
- Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 50–60 minutes until the center is set.
- Turn off oven, crack door open, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
6. Chill:
- Let cool at room temperature.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Serve:
- Run a knife around the edges before releasing from the pan.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries, lemon zest, or whipped cream.
Notes
- Berry Medley: Swap raspberry puree for mixed berries.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers.
- Citrus Twist: Try lime or orange zest instead of lemon.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted white or dark chocolate for extra decadence.
