Oh my goodness, you guys, this Cherry Lemon Cheesecake Recipe is one of my absolute favorites! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love the bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemon paired with the sweetness of cherries. It’s like summer on a plate! Every time I make this cheesecake, I’m reminded of sunny picnics and family gatherings, where everyone dives in for a slice and leaves with big smiles. Plus, the creamy cheesecake base just melts in your mouth, creating the perfect balance of flavors. Trust me, if you’re looking for a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent, this one is a total winner. I can’t wait for you to try it and see those happy faces light up!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful Cherry Lemon Cheesecake. I promise, it’s all pretty straightforward!
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (these will create that delicious, crunchy crust)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (this helps bind the crust together and adds richness)
1 cup sugar (for just the right amount of sweetness)
4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy for the filling)
1 cup sour cream (adds a lovely tang and creaminess)
3 large eggs (these will help set the cheesecake)
1 tsp vanilla extract (a touch of vanilla really enhances the flavors)
1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed if you can, for that zesty kick)
1 can cherry pie filling (this is the star topping that brings it all together!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this amazing Cherry Lemon Cheesecake! I’m so excited to share each step with you, so let’s jump right in!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cheesecake bakes evenly. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
In a mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with the 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until everything is well combined and resembles wet sand. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Make sure it’s nice and compact so that it holds together beautifully once baked!
Make the Cheesecake Filling
In another large bowl, beat the 4 packages of softened cream cheese with the 1 cup of sugar until it’s smooth and creamy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the 1 cup of sour cream, 3 large eggs, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Mix everything together until you have a luscious, smooth filling. You want it to be velvety and free of lumps!
Bake the Cheesecake
Pour that beautiful cheesecake mixture over your prepared crust. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 55-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Don’t worry, it’ll firm up as it cools!
Cool and Chill
Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This is crucial for achieving that perfect texture. After it’s cooled, cover it and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can resist!). The chilling time allows all those delicious flavors to meld together.
Serve with Cherry Topping
When you’re ready to serve, just top your cheesecake with the can of cherry pie filling. Spread it out evenly for a gorgeous presentation. Wow, it’s going to look and taste amazing! Slice it up and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this amazing Cherry Lemon Cheesecake! I’m so excited to share each step with you, so let’s jump right in!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cheesecake bakes evenly. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with the 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until everything is well combined and resembles wet sand. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Make sure it’s nice and compact so that it holds together beautifully once baked!
Make the Cheesecake Filling
In another large bowl, beat the 4 packages of softened cream cheese with the 1 cup of sugar until it’s smooth and creamy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the 1 cup of sour cream, 3 large eggs, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Mix everything together until you have a luscious, smooth filling. You want it to be velvety and free of lumps!
Bake the Cheesecake
Pour that beautiful cheesecake mixture over your prepared crust. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 55-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Don’t worry, it’ll firm up as it cools!
Cool and Chill
Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This is crucial for achieving that perfect texture. After it’s cooled, cover it and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can resist!). The chilling time allows all those delicious flavors to meld together.
Serve with Cherry Topping
When you’re ready to serve, just top your cheesecake with the can of cherry pie filling. Spread it out evenly for a gorgeous presentation. Wow, it’s going to look and taste amazing! Slice it up and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this amazing Cherry Lemon Cheesecake! I’m so excited to share each step with you, so let’s jump right in!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cheesecake bakes evenly. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with the 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until everything is well combined and resembles wet sand. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Make sure it’s nice and compact so that it holds together beautifully once baked!
Make the Cheesecake Filling
In another large bowl, beat the 4 packages of softened cream cheese with the 1 cup of sugar until it’s smooth and creamy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the 1 cup of sour cream, 3 large eggs, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Mix everything together until you have a luscious, smooth filling. You want it to be velvety and free of lumps!
Bake the Cheesecake
Pour that beautiful cheesecake mixture over your prepared crust. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 55-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Don’t worry, it’ll firm up as it cools!
Cool and Chill
Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This is crucial for achieving that perfect texture. After it’s cooled, cover it and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can resist!). The chilling time allows all those delicious flavors to meld together.
Serve with Cherry Topping
When you’re ready to serve, just top your cheesecake with the can of cherry pie filling. Spread it out evenly for a gorgeous presentation. Wow, it’s going to look and taste amazing! Slice it up and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a refreshing twist on the classic cheesecake, with the perfect balance of tart lemon and sweet cherries.
Super easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand!
The creamy filling and crunchy crust create an irresistible texture that everyone will adore.
It’s a showstopper dessert that’s perfect for gatherings—your friends and family will be begging for the recipe.
Chilling the cheesecake makes it a fantastic make-ahead dessert, so you can spend more time enjoying your company.
The vibrant colors and gorgeous cherry topping make for a stunning presentation that looks as good as it tastes!
Tips for Success
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth and creamy filling without lumps.
Don’t Overmix: When you’re mixing the filling, be gentle! Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in your cheesecake as it bakes.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cheesecake as it bakes. It should be set around the edges and have a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools!
Cool Gradually: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the pan before chilling. This prevents condensation and helps maintain that perfect creamy texture.
Chill for Flavor: Give your cheesecake plenty of time to chill in the fridge—at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better! This allows all those fabulous flavors to develop.
Decorate with Love: When topping with cherry pie filling, feel free to get creative! You can add a sprinkle of lemon zest or even fresh cherries for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Tips for Success
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth and creamy filling without lumps.
Don’t Overmix: When you’re mixing the filling, be gentle! Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in your cheesecake as it bakes.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cheesecake as it bakes. It should be set around the edges and have a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools!
Cool Gradually: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the pan before chilling. This prevents condensation and helps maintain that perfect creamy texture.
Chill for Flavor: Give your cheesecake plenty of time to chill in the fridge—at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better! This allows all those fabulous flavors to develop.
Decorate with Love: When topping with cherry pie filling, feel free to get creative! You can add a sprinkle of lemon zest or even fresh cherries for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Tips for Success
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth and creamy filling without lumps. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
Don’t Overmix: When you’re mixing the filling, be gentle! Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in your cheesecake as it bakes. Just mix until everything is well combined and smooth—no need to go overboard!
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cheesecake as it bakes. It should be set around the edges and have a slight jiggle in the center. Don’t be alarmed if it’s a little wobbly in the middle; it will firm up as it cools!
Cool Gradually: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the pan before chilling. This prevents condensation and helps maintain that perfect creamy texture. Seriously, patience is key here!
Chill for Flavor: Give your cheesecake plenty of time to chill in the fridge—at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better! This allows all those fabulous flavors to meld together beautifully.
Decorate with Love: When topping with cherry pie filling, feel free to get creative! You can add a sprinkle of lemon zest or even fresh cherries for an extra pop of flavor and color. Presentation matters, and it makes it even more special!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up a bit with your Cherry Lemon Cheesecake, I’ve got some fun variations for you to try! Each of these ideas brings something unique to the table while keeping that creamy goodness we all love.
Berry Bliss: Swap the cherry pie filling for a mix of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Just mash them up a little and add them on top for a burst of color and flavor!
Chocolate Delight: Drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the cheesecake before adding the cherry topping. The combination of chocolate and cherry is simply divine!
Lemon Zest Explosion: Add extra lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a more intense lemon flavor. It brightens up the whole dessert and makes it even more refreshing!
Nutty Crunch: Mix some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the crust for added texture and a delightful nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
Mini Cheesecakes: Instead of a full cheesecake, make mini versions in a muffin tin! Just follow the same steps, adjusting the baking time, and you’ll have adorable, individual servings.
Swirled Cheesecake: Before baking, take a spoonful of cherry pie filling and swirl it into the cheesecake mixture. It gives a beautiful marbled effect and enhances the cherry flavor throughout.
These variations are all about making the recipe your own and having fun in the kitchen! Don’t be afraid to get creative and mix in your favorite flavors. Enjoy experimenting!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up a bit with your Cherry Lemon Cheesecake, I’ve got some fun variations for you to try! Each of these ideas brings something unique to the table while keeping that creamy goodness we all love.
Berry Bliss: Swap the cherry pie filling for a mix of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Just mash them up a little and add them on top for a burst of color and flavor!
Chocolate Delight: Drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the cheesecake before adding the cherry topping. The combination of chocolate and cherry is simply divine!
Lemon Zest Explosion: Add extra lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a more intense lemon flavor. It brightens up the whole dessert and makes it even more refreshing!
Nutty Crunch: Mix some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the crust for added texture and a delightful nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
Mini Cheesecakes: Instead of a full cheesecake, make mini versions in a muffin tin! Just follow the same steps, adjusting the baking time, and you’ll have adorable, individual servings.
Swirled Cheesecake: Before baking, take a spoonful of cherry pie filling and swirl it into the cheesecake mixture. It gives a beautiful marbled effect and enhances the cherry flavor throughout.
These variations are all about making the recipe your own and having fun in the kitchen! Don’t be afraid to get creative and mix in your favorite flavors. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made this scrumptious Cherry Lemon Cheesecake, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store it properly so you can enjoy it later without losing any of that delightful flavor and texture.
First, let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This keeps it fresh and prevents any fridge odors from sneaking in. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure to keep it in a sealed container to maintain its creaminess!
If you want to keep it for a longer period (which I totally understand, sometimes you just need to have cheesecake on hand!), you can freeze it! Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. It’ll be good for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. No need to reheat—just serve it chilled, and it’ll taste just as fabulous as the day you made it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made this scrumptious Cherry Lemon Cheesecake, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store it properly so you can enjoy it later without losing any of that delightful flavor and texture.
First, let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This keeps it fresh and prevents any fridge odors from sneaking in. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure to keep it in a sealed container to maintain its creaminess!
If you want to keep it for a longer period (which I totally understand, sometimes you just need to have cheesecake on hand!), you can freeze it! Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. It’ll be good for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. No need to reheat—just serve it chilled, and it’ll taste just as fabulous as the day you made it!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so these figures are approximate. That said, here’s what you can expect from a standard serving of this delightful Cherry Lemon Cheesecake:
Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 25g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Enjoying this cheesecake is definitely a treat, and it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring a slice all by yourself, it’s a delicious way to brighten your day. Enjoy responsibly!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the numbers, I just want to remind you that nutritional values can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. So while I’m sharing some typical data here, keep in mind that it’s not set in stone! Here’s what you can generally expect from a standard serving of this delicious Cherry Lemon Cheesecake:
Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 25g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Enjoying this cheesecake is definitely a treat, and it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring a slice all by yourself, it’s a delicious way to brighten your day. Enjoy responsibly!
Share Your Thoughts
I’d absolutely love to hear what you think about this Cherry Lemon Cheesecake Recipe! Did you try it out? How did it turn out for you? Your feedback means the world to me, and it helps others who might be thinking of giving it a go, too. So please, leave a comment below and share your experience!
If you enjoyed this recipe or made any fun variations, let me know! I’m always excited to hear how people put their own spin on it. And hey, if you think your friends would love this cheesecake as much as I do, don’t hesitate to share it on social media! Let’s spread the cheesecake love!
Share Your Thoughts
I’d absolutely love to hear what you think about this Cherry Lemon Cheesecake Recipe! Did you try it out? How did it turn out for you? Your feedback means the world to me, and it helps others who might be thinking of giving it a go, too. So please, leave a comment below and share your experience!
If you enjoyed this recipe or made any fun variations, let me know! I’m always excited to hear how people put their own spin on it. And hey, if you think your friends would love this cheesecake as much as I do, don’t hesitate to share it on social media! Let’s spread the cheesecake love!
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