Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake (Print Version)

A creamy cheesecake with luscious lemon and raspberry swirls delivering bright, balanced flavors.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Filling

04 - 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 4 large eggs
08 - Juice and zest of 2 lemons
09 - 1 cup sour cream

→ Raspberry Swirl

10 - 1 cup fresh raspberries
11 - 1/4 cup sugar
12 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
13 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
14 - 1 tablespoon water

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until mixture has a wet sand texture. Press evenly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake 10 minutes and let cool.
02 - Beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add sugar and vanilla, mixing well. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Add lemon juice, zest, and sour cream; beat until fully blended.
03 - In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened and bubbling, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
04 - Pour filling into cooled crust. Add dollops of raspberry sauce on top and gently swirl using a rubber spatula or knife to create a marbled effect.
05 - Bake at 350°F for 60-70 minutes until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly. Turn off oven, crack door open, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
06 - Refrigerate cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
02 - Avoid overmixing after adding eggs to prevent cracks.
03 - Consider a water bath during baking to maintain even temperature and reduce cracking.
04 - Swirl gently to preserve distinct layers of raspberry sauce.