The Ultimate Cheesecake

By joanmarie

The creamy, dreamy cheesecake recipe combines the tart flavors of lemon juice and zest with the sweet pop of fresh blueberries to make the ultimate cheesecake that will have all who tries it begging for seconds.

Ingredients

• CRUST:
• 2 cups finely ground graham crackers, about 30 squares
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
• FILLING:
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 pint sour cream
• 1 lemon, zested
• 1 dash vanilla extract
• WARM LEMON BLUEBERRY TOPPING:
• 1-pint blueberries
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Details

Servings 10
Preparation time 30mins
Cooking time 45mins

Preparation

Step 1

CRUST:

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

In a mixing bowl combine the ingredients with a fork until evenly moistened. Lightly coat the bottom and sides of an 8-inch springform pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Pour the crumbs into the pan, using the bottom of a measuring cup or the smooth bottom of a glass, press the crumbs down into the base and 1-inch up the sides. Refrigerate for 5 minutes.

FILLING:

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on low speed for 1 minute until smooth and free of any lumps. Add the eggs 1 at a time and continue to beat slowly until combined. Gradually add sugar and beat until creamy, for 1 to 2 minutes.

Add sour cream, lemon zest, and vanilla. Periodically scrape down the sides of the bowl and the beaters. The batter should be well-mixed but not overbeaten. Pour the filling into the crust-lined pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Set the cheesecake pan on a large piece of aluminum foil and fold up the sides around it. Place the cake pan in a large roasting pan. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until the water is about halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan; the foil will keep the water from seeping into the cheesecake. Bake for 45 minutes. The cheesecake should still jiggle. It will firm up after chilling, so be careful not to overcook. Let cool in pan for 30 minutes. Chill in the refrigerator, loosely covered, for at least 4 hours. The cheesecake can keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Loosen the cheesecake from the sides of the pan by running a thin metal spatula around the inside rim. Un-mold and transfer to a cake plate. Using a spatula spread a layer of Warm Lemon Blueberry topping over the surface.

Slice the cheesecake with a thin, non-serrated knife that has been dipped in hot water. Wipe dry after each cut.

WARM LEMON BLUEBERRY TOPPING:

In a small saucepan add the blueberries, lemon juice and zest, and sugar, then simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes or so until the fruit begins to break down slightly. Leave to cool before spreading on cheesecake. This topping can be made, cooled, and kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store separate from the cheesecake until ready to serve.