Delightful Basic Lemon Cheesecake Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours
Description: This Basic Lemon Cheesecake is the epitome of simplicity and deliciousness! Passed down from my mum, it’s been a cherished family favorite and is preferred over all other cheesecakes. This versatile recipe serves as an excellent base, allowing you to experiment with various flavors and toppings. Just a quick tip—ensure you use full-fat cream cheese for the best results, as light cream cheese can prevent the cheesecake from setting properly.
Category: Cheesecake
Keywords: Dessert, No Cook, Less than 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
- 90 grams (1/2 cup) butter: Melted
- 500 grams (2 cups) cream cheese: Full-fat, softened
- 1 can (397 grams) sweetened condensed milk:
- 1 lemon: Juice (adjust according to taste; 2 lemons are a guideline)
- Optional Variations:
- Margarita Variation: Substitute lemon juice with a commercial margarita mix (lime and triple sec), and add 2 shots of tequila to taste.
- Chocolate Slice: Use plain chocolate biscuits for the base, and swirl melted chocolate into the topping before refrigerating.
Instructions:
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Prepare the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with biscuit crumbs until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the base of a greased pie dish, ensuring an even layer. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the topping.
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Make the Topping: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until it becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese while continuing to beat. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
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Add Lemon Flavor: Stir in the lemon juice. You can adjust the quantity of lemon juice based on your personal taste preferences; start with the juice of 1 lemon and add more if you prefer a stronger lemon flavor.
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Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the creamy mixture onto the chilled biscuit base, spreading it out evenly.
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Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake until it is firm. Ideally, let it set overnight, but if you’re short on time, allow it to chill for at least 2 hours.
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Variations:
- Margarita Cheesecake: Replace the lemon juice with a commercial margarita mix. Add approximately 1/2 cup of the mix and 2 shots of tequila. Note that the flavor will intensify as it sets.
- Chocolate Slice: For a chocolate twist, use plain chocolate biscuits for the base and press this into a slice tin. Swirl melted chocolate into the cheesecake mixture before refrigerating and cut into squares once set.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled and enjoy as a delightful dessert.
- Garnish with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 4751.4
- Fat: 307 grams
- Saturated Fat: 181.5 grams
- Cholesterol: 878.3 milligrams
- Sodium: 4016.7 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 431.1 grams
- Fiber: 7.4 grams
- Sugar: 298.7 grams
- Protein: 87.8 grams
This Basic Lemon Cheesecake is not just a treat but also a versatile base for endless variations. Whether you’re sticking to the classic lemon flavor or experimenting with margarita or chocolate, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the creamy goodness and delightful flavors of this timeless cheesecake! 🍰🍋
