Derick'S Favorite Cheese Cake
Indulge in a rich, creamy cheesecake with a tangy lemon flavor and a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Prepare a large spring-form pan by generously buttering it and sprinkling with crushed graham cracker crumbs.
- In a large mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese and sugar until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth.
- Mix in the juice and grated rind of half a fresh lemon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared spring-form pan and place it in a larger pan filled with water to create a water bath.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 1/2 hours or until the cake is firm and lightly browned around the edges and light in the center.
- Remove from the oven and leave in the spring-form pan overnight in the refrigerator.
- Garnish with strawberries if desired, or enjoy it on its own.
- The cheesecake can be frozen for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother cheesecake, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, consider adding an extra 1/4 lb. of sugar. You can substitute the graham cracker crust with crushed Riz Biscuits for a unique flavor. If you're short on time, bake the cheesecake in a muffin tin for individual portions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesecake plain or garnish with fresh strawberries for a pop of color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with Kelly'S Salad for a light meal option. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a fruit compote on top for added sweetness. This dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat anytime.
Storage & Reheating
After chilling, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from absorbing odors in the fridge. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you have leftovers, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Derick'S Favorite Cheese Cake contains roughly 503 calories, with 7g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
While you can use low-fat cream cheese, it may alter the texture and richness of the cheesecake. Full-fat cream cheese yields the best results for a creamy, dense texture. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider reducing the sugar instead.
What can I do if my cheesecake cracks while baking?
To prevent cracking, ensure you mix the ingredients gently and avoid over-beating the eggs. Baking in a water bath helps maintain moisture and even heat. If cracks do occur, you can cover them with a fruit topping or whipped cream for a beautiful presentation.
How can I make this cheesecake chocolate-flavored?
To make a chocolate cheesecake, you can mix in 8 oz. of melted dark chocolate into the cream cheese mixture before pouring it into the pan. Adjust the sugar according to your taste, and consider adding chocolate shavings on top for garnish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).