Luscious cheesecake meets zesty citrus and sweet berries in this showstopping Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake. Imagine the creaminess of classic cheesecake made even brighter with fresh lemon, then crowned with a sparkling strawberry topping—this dessert doesn’t just steal the spotlight, it runs away with it! Every bite is a balance of tang and richness, with a buttery graham cracker crust to tie it all together. Whether you’re making it for a summer party or a cozy night in, you’ll fall in love with this irresistible treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake lies in simple, fresh ingredients that work together to create something magical. Each one brings its own touch—velvety texture, vibrant color, or irresistible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for cheesecake perfection:
- Graham cracker crumbs: These create the classic, crunchy base that gives such a satisfying contrast to the creamy filling.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness in both the crust and filling to let the lemon and strawberry flavors shine.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds rich moisture and helps pack the crust together.
- Cream cheese (softened): The superstar of cheesecake—smooth, tangy, and decadent when blended to perfection.
- Large eggs: Essential for creating that luxurious, custardy cheesecake texture.
- Sour cream: A hint of tang that balances the sweetness and keeps the filling unbelievably creamy.
- All-purpose flour: Just a touch to help set the filling so you get perfect slices every time.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a lovely warmth in the background.
- Lemon zest: Infuses the cheesecake with fragrant, sunny citrus notes in every bite.
- Lemon juice: For a fresh, zippy kick that lifts the whole dessert.
- Fresh strawberries (sliced): Sweet, juicy, and irresistibly pretty when piled on top.
- Strawberry preserves: Gently warmed, they make the perfect glossy drizzle and amp up that fresh strawberry flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake
Step 1: Make the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine your graham cracker crumbs, a quarter-cup of sugar, and the melted unsalted butter. Mix until everything is evenly moistened, and don’t be afraid to use your hands to fully incorporate the butter! Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan—it should cover the entire base in an even layer. Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool while you prepare the luscious filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s silky-smooth and lump-free—room temperature cream cheese is key for avoiding any pesky lumps! Gradually add 1 cup of sugar, continuing to beat until fluffy and blended. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until incorporated. Next, gently mix in the sour cream, flour, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The batter should look smooth, creamy, and just a little glossy, with an irresistible citrusy aroma.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesecake batter over your cooled crust and use a spatula to smooth the top. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles. Slide the pan into the center of your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will have a slight, wobbly jiggle—this means you’re on track for a silky texture.
Step 4: Cool It Down
Once your Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake is baked, turn the oven off and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. This slow cooling helps prevent those heartbreaking cracks across the top—patience pays off! After that, transfer the cheesecake to your fridge and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The flavors will meld and the texture will set to creamy perfection.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Just before serving, arrange your fresh sliced strawberries over the top of the chilled cheesecake. Gently warm the strawberry preserves in the microwave or on the stove, then drizzle them all over the berries for a dreamy, glossy finish. Slice, serve, and savor every bite of Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake!
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake
Garnishes
Let your dessert presentation shine by piling on bright, fresh strawberries, just like you’d see in your favorite bakery window. If you’re feeling festive, tuck in a few sprigs of fresh mint or add a scatter of lemon zest curls for extra color and zing. A simple dusting of powdered sugar right before serving is guaranteed to wow your guests (and Instagram followers).
Side Dishes
Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake pairs beautifully with a light fruit salad, tangy raspberry coulis, or even a simple glass of cold lemonade. If you’re serving the cheesecake at a party, offer small cups of espresso or citrusy iced tea to balance the richness and refresh the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn dessert into an event! Try serving slices with a mini pitcher of extra strawberry sauce for drizzling, or cut the cheesecake into bite-sized bars for a finger-food treat at potlucks. For summer picnics, pre-slice and pack individual portions in cupcake wrappers so everyone gets picture-perfect pieces of Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Keep it on the bottom shelf toward the back of your fridge for the best temperature consistency. The flavors continue to develop, making the leftovers almost as fabulous as the very first slice.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead or have cheesecake on hand for spontaneous celebrations? This cheesecake freezes well! Chill completely, then wrap individual slices (or the whole cheesecake) tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the freshest texture.
Reheating
Cheesecake is best served chilled directly from the fridge, but if you prefer a softer bite, let your slice sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before enjoying. Avoid reheating in the microwave or oven, as it can affect the creamy consistency and alter the taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh strawberries aren’t available, thawed frozen strawberries work nicely for the topping—just be sure to drain off excess juices so your cheesecake stays beautifully set and not watery.
What’s the trick to preventing cracks in my cheesecake?
Letting your cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar is a game-changer! Room temperature ingredients, not overmixing, and not overbaking all help, too. Cracks are mostly cosmetic, though, and easily hidden with that gorgeous berry topping.
Can I make Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free cookie crumb or gluten-free graham crackers, and be sure to use gluten-free flour. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Is there a way to add more lemon flavor?
If you’re wild about lemon, try swapping the graham crackers for lemon sandwich cookies or adding 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract to the filling. A little extra zest on top before serving amplifies that citrusy punch, too!
Can I make this cheesecake in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake is the perfect make-ahead dessert. Just assemble and bake a day or two before your party, then add the fresh strawberries and strawberry preserves just ahead of serving for the freshest look and taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about sharing a slice of Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake with people you love—it always brings out smiles and requests for seconds. If you’re after a dessert that sparkles with flavor and looks as good as it tastes, this is the recipe to try. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to impress yourself and your guests with every creamy, citrusy, berry-topped bite!
Print
Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful harmony of sweet strawberries and zesty lemon with this Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake. Creamy and luscious, this dessert is perfect for any occasion, especially during the summer months.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 8–10 minutes.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, sour cream, flour, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until creamy.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour filling over crust and bake for 55–65 minutes. Let cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours. Top with fresh strawberries and warmed strawberry preserves before serving.
Notes
- You can swap the graham cracker crust for a lemon cookie crust for added citrus notes.
- For a smoother texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
