Lemon Cheesecake Recipe (Cheesecake al Limone)
If you’re a fan of the refreshing tang of lemon paired with the smooth, creamy richness of cheesecake, then this Lemon Cheesecake recipe is sure to delight. The zesty lemon flavor infuses both the creamy filling and the glossy, citrus-infused topping, while the crunchy, buttery digestive biscuit base adds a satisfying texture contrast. This indulgent dessert is perfect for a special occasion, a family gathering, or simply when you’re craving something sweet and tangy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a treat for yourself, this dessert is sure to impress.
Servings: 6
Category: Desserts
Ingredients
For the Biscuit Base:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Digestive Biscuits | 200g |
| Butter (melted) | 100g |
For the Lemon Cream Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ricotta Cheese | 500g |
| Cream Cheese (softened) | 250g |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | 100g |
| Powdered Sugar | 150g |
| Lemon Zest | 2 lemons |
| Fresh Whipping Cream | 100g |
| Gelatin Sheets | 10g |
For the Lemon Glaze:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Lemon Juice | 60g |
| Cornstarch (corn flour) | 15g |
| Water | 100g |
| Sugar | 80g |
| Ground Turmeric | ¼ teaspoon |
For the Garnish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lemon (for slices) | 1 |
| Fresh Mint Leaves | As needed |
| Sugar (for syrup) | 100g |
| Water (for syrup) | 80g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base
To begin making the cheesecake, start with the biscuit base. First, place the digestive biscuits into a food processor and pulse them until they’re reduced to fine crumbs. Once the biscuits are crushed, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Next, melt the butter in a microwave or over low heat on the stove. Pour the melted butter into the biscuit crumbs and stir until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should have a sandy, yet slightly moist texture.
Now, line the base of a 20 cm springform pan with parchment paper. For the sides of the pan, it’s best to use a strip of acetate paper to ensure an easy release. Press the biscuit mixture into the bottom of the pan, using the back of a spoon to pack it down firmly and evenly. Once the base is set, place the pan in the refrigerator to chill and firm up for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Cream Filling
While the base is chilling, prepare the creamy lemon filling. Start by soaking the gelatin sheets in a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes, allowing them to soften. Meanwhile, zest the lemons and set aside the lemon zest for later. Squeeze the lemons to extract the juice, making sure you have about 100g of fresh lemon juice.
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and the cream cheese. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend them together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and lemon zest, mixing again until fully incorporated.
Next, heat the whipping cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it is just about to boil. Remove the cream from the heat and squeeze out the soaked gelatin sheets to remove any excess water. Stir the gelatin into the hot cream until it dissolves completely, ensuring the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
Pour the cream mixture into the ricotta and cream cheese mixture, stirring gently to combine. Once the mixture is well-blended, pour it over the chilled biscuit base, smoothing the top with a spatula. Return the pan to the refrigerator to allow the cheesecake to set while you prepare the glaze.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
For the tangy lemon glaze, start by combining the lemon juice, cornstarch, water, and sugar in a small saucepan. Stir the mixture together and place it over medium heat, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil, and once it starts to thicken, remove it from the heat. Add a pinch of ground turmeric to the mixture and stir until fully dissolved. The turmeric not only adds a beautiful golden color to the glaze but also provides a subtle depth of flavor.
Let the glaze cool down to room temperature before pouring it over the set cheesecake. This will create a glossy, vibrant lemon topping that will perfectly complement the creamy filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Syrup for Garnish
To create a beautiful garnish, prepare a simple syrup by placing the sugar and water into a small pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly.
Once the syrup is ready, dip thin slices of lemon into the syrup, coating them well. Allow the lemon slices to infuse in the syrup for a few minutes. This syrup not only enhances the flavor of the lemon slices but also prevents them from turning bitter while adding a lovely sheen.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Once the cheesecake has fully set and the glaze has cooled, pour the glaze over the top of the cheesecake. Gently spread it to cover the entire surface. Afterward, arrange the lemon slices on top for a decorative touch. If you’d like, scatter fresh mint leaves around the edges to add a pop of color and freshness.
Finally, slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve. The result will be a creamy, tangy, and refreshing dessert that balances the richness of the cheese with the brightness of the lemon. Perfect for any occasion or as a delightful treat after dinner.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Cheesecake:
- Ensure Gelatin is Fully Dissolved: To avoid any clumps or texture issues in the cream filling, make sure the gelatin is completely dissolved in the hot cream before adding it to the ricotta mixture.
- Chill Properly: Give the cheesecake ample time to set in the fridge—at least 4 hours or overnight—so the texture is firm and creamy.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cheesecake, feel free to increase the amount of powdered sugar or adjust the glaze sweetness to your liking.
- Add Variations: You can enhance this recipe by adding a layer of fruit, such as fresh raspberries or strawberries, on top of the cream filling before the glaze is poured over.
This Lemon Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for those who love a sweet and tangy treat with a light, creamy texture. The balance of zesty lemon, smooth cream, and crunchy biscuit base creates a delightful dessert that will surely become a family favorite. Whether for a casual gathering or a special celebration, this cheesecake brings a refreshing twist to any occasion.
