Description
This Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake is the perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet berries. With a buttery graham cracker crust, silky cream cheese filling infused with fresh lemon, and beautiful raspberry swirls, this cheesecake is both stunning and delicious. The foolproof water bath method ensures a crack-free surface every time!
Ingredients
FOR THE CRUST:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 full crackers)
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Pinch of salt
FOR THE LEMON FILLING:
32 oz (four 8-oz packages) cream cheese, room temperature
1¼ cups granulated sugar
¼ cup sour cream, room temperature
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (from about 3 lemons)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
FOR THE RASPBERRY SWIRL:
1½ cups fresh or frozen raspberries
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray. Wrap the outside of pan with two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
2. Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt until mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into bottom and 1 inch up sides of pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
3. Make raspberry swirl: In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until berries break down. Mix cornstarch with water, stir into raspberries, and cook 1-2 minutes until thickened. Strain through fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. Cool completely.
4. Beat cream cheese on medium-low speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and fluffy, scraping bowl frequently.
5. Add sugar in three additions, beating well after each addition on low speed for about 2 minutes total.
6. Beat in sour cream, lemon juice, vanilla, lemon zest, and flour on low speed until just combined.
7. Add eggs one at a time on LOW speed, mixing just until each is incorporated (about 10 seconds per egg). Don’t overmix.
8. Pour filling over cooled crust. Tap pan gently on counter 3-4 times to release air bubbles.
9. Drop 6-8 spoonfuls of raspberry sauce on top of filling. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl in figure-8 or circular motions.
10. Place wrapped springform pan in a large roasting pan. Fill roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
11. Bake at 325°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes. The edges should be set while the center 3-inch circle still jiggles slightly. Internal temperature should reach 150°F.
12. Turn off oven and crack door open 4 inches. Leave cheesecake in cooling oven for 1 hour.
13. Remove from water bath, remove foil, and run a thin knife around edges. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours at room temperature.
14. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
All ingredients must be at room temperature (65-70°F) for smooth mixing—set them out 2-3 hours ahead.
Mix on LOW speed once eggs are added to avoid incorporating air that causes cracks.
Don’t skip the water bath—it creates humidity that prevents cracking.
The gradual cooling process (in oven, then at room temp, then refrigerator) is crucial for crack prevention.
This cheesecake actually tastes better the next day as flavors develop.
Store covered in refrigerator for 5-7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
For clean slices, dip knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts.
If cracks appear, cover with fresh berries, whipped cream, or extra raspberry sauce—no one will notice!
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 75
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 310
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 145
Keywords: lemon cheesecake, raspberry cheesecake, lemon raspberry dessert, swirl cheesecake, best cheesecake recipe, springform pan dessert
