Easy Cheesecake Supreme
A rich and creamy cheesecake with a buttery crust, featuring lemon flavor for a refreshing twist, perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 3/4 cup flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel.
- Cut in butter or margarine until crumbly.
- Stir in 1 slightly beaten egg yolk and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla.
- Pat 1/3 of the dough onto the bottom of an 8-inch or 9-inch spring-form pan with sides removed.
- Bake at 400°F for 7 minutes or until golden; cool.
- Butter sides of pan; attach to bottom.
- Pat remaining dough onto sides of the pan, about 1 3/4 inches high.
- Beat softened cream cheese, remaining lemon peel, and remaining vanilla until fluffy.
- Stir in 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and salt; mix into cream cheese mixture.
- Add 2 eggs and 1 egg yolk; beat until blended.
- Add milk.
- Turn into crust-lined pan.
- Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes.
- Reduce temperature to 300°F; bake for 50 to 55 minutes.
- Cool for 15 minutes.
- Loosen sides of cheesecake from pan with a spatula.
- Cool for 30 minutes.
- Remove from pan.
- Cool for 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother cheesecake, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the lemon peel with orange zest for a different flavor profile. If you're short on time, consider using a pre-made graham cracker crust instead of making your own. Always allow the cheesecake to cool gradually to prevent cracking.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesecake pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For added texture, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed nuts. It makes an impressive dessert for special occasions, alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Cheesecake Supreme contains roughly 525 calories, with 8g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g 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?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it may slightly alter the texture and richness of the cheesecake. It will still be delicious, just a bit less creamy. For best results, avoid using fat-free cream cheese, as it often leads to a grainy texture.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle. It's important to allow it to finish setting as it cools. If the top starts to brown too much, you can cover it loosely with foil during baking.
Can I add flavors like chocolate or caramel?
Absolutely! To add chocolate, fold in melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture before pouring it into the crust. For caramel, swirl in a few tablespoons of caramel sauce just before baking. These variations can create a delightful twist on the classic cheesecake.
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).