This Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake is the ultimate marriage of sweet and tart, creamy and refreshing—with a show-stopping swirl of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon running through every luscious bite. Whether you want to celebrate summer, impress at a dinner party, or simply indulge your sweet tooth, this cheesecake has a little magic in every slice. The crumbly graham cracker crust brings it all together for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each component of this recipe plays a vital role: from the buttery graham crust that offers a familiar crunch, to the tangy, cloud-like filling, and finally that gorgeous strawberry swirl. Here’s a rundown of every ingredient, each chosen to highlight the color, flavor, and texture that make this Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake truly memorable.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: The foundation for our crust, offering a taste of nostalgia and just the right amount of crunch.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the filling, enhancing those natural fruit flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Keeps the crust rich and helps it hold its shape.
- Cream Cheese (softened): The star of the filling, ensuring luxurious smoothness—be sure it’s fully softened for a lump-free texture.
- Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang and creaminess that balances the sweetness.
- Eggs: Provide structure and silkiness to the cheesecake.
- All-Purpose Flour: A touch of stability for the filling; don’t skip it.
- Lemon Zest: Packs a citrus punch, infusing the cheesecake with bright, sunny flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Sharpens the lemony flavor and keeps the cheesecake light and refreshing.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a touch of warmth and depth.
- Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: The heart of the swirl—use the ripest, juiciest berries you can find, or keep it easy with frozen.
- Sugar (for strawberry swirl): Helps the berries break down and sweetens the puree.
- Lemon Juice (for strawberry swirl): Lifts the strawberry’s flavor, making that swirl sing.
- Whipped Cream (for garnish): Optional but recommended for a dreamy finish.
- Fresh Strawberries (for garnish): A final touch of juicy color and freshness.
- Lemon Zest (for garnish): Adds a visual and flavorful pop—totally Instagram-ready!
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until all the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure to pack it down tightly for a sturdy base. Slide the pan into the oven and bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes, just until it starts to smell nutty and looks lightly golden. Set it aside to cool—your kitchen will already smell irresistible!
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Swirl
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally as the berries break down and the mixture thickens, which will take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, blend the strawberries into a smooth puree and allow it to cool completely. This swirl will create that beautiful marbled effect and burst of flavor in every slice of Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until extra creamy and smooth—this is key for a velvety texture. Add the sugar and mix again until you don’t see any lumps. Now, blend in the sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, flour, and vanilla extract. Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until each is incorporated. This gentle approach keeps your cheesecake fluffy and prevents over-mixing.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers and Swirl
Pour half of the cheesecake batter over your cooled crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Then, spoon half of the strawberry puree on top. Take a skewer or knife and gently swirl the mixture—think soft figure-eights for elegant marbling. Repeat with the remaining batter and puree, swirling once more until the colorful ribbons are just right.
Step 5: Bake in a Water Bath
Set the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan and fill the outer pan with an inch of hot water to create a water bath. This step helps the cheesecake cook gently and prevents cracks. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, watching for that delicate jiggle in the center. When finished, turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour—patience pays off here!
Step 6: Chill and Set
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or, even better, overnight. This long chill allows all the flavors to meld and ensures the texture is perfectly firm yet creamy.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake
Garnishes
To turn this Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake into a showstopper, top it with billows of whipped cream, a handful of fresh strawberry slices, and a dusting of lemon zest. The bright colors and creamy swirls make every slice irresistible and picture-perfect.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake is rich enough to stand alone, but to create a well-rounded dessert experience, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit salad, a lemon sorbet, or crisp almond biscotti. Each of these lightens and complements the creamy decadence of the cheesecake.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try cutting the cheesecake into mini squares or rounds for bite-sized treats. You can also layer cubes into parfait jars with whipped cream and extra berries for a playful, portable version. No matter how you slice it, Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake steals the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any remaining Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors grow even brighter after a day or two, making leftovers a highly anticipated treat!
Freezing
This cheesecake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then garnish as you please.
Reheating
While cheesecake is best served chilled, if you prefer a slightly warmer bite, remove a slice from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can affect the texture and swirl.
FAQs
Can I make Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this cheesecake tastes even better when made a day in advance, giving the flavors time to develop and the filling to fully set.
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
If a springform pan isn’t available, use a regular 9-inch cake pan lined with parchment for easy lifting, but be extra gentle when removing your cheesecake.
Is it okay to use frozen strawberries for the swirl?
Yes! Frozen strawberries work wonderfully and give that vibrant color and flavor all year round—just thaw them first for the best texture in your puree.
How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
A water bath is your best friend, helping the cake bake evenly and stay creamy. Also, avoid over-mixing and don’t open the oven door during baking; patience is key.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely—just substitute gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and double-check that your other ingredients are gluten-free for a treat everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about making and sharing Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake—each slice is a celebration of bright flavors and creamy perfection. I can’t wait for you and your loved ones to dig in and discover why this has become such a beloved favorite in my kitchen. Give it a try, and watch the smiles light up around your table!
Print
Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect marriage of sweet strawberries and zesty lemon with this Strawberry Lemon Bliss Cheesecake. Creamy and luscious, this dessert is a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the strawberry swirl:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For garnish:
- whipped cream
- fresh strawberries
- lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare Strawberry Swirl: Cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until thickened. Blend until smooth and cool.
- Make Filling: Beat cream cheese until creamy. Add sugar, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, flour, and vanilla. Mix in eggs.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour half of batter over crust. Spoon half of strawberry puree and swirl. Repeat with remaining batter and puree. Swirl again.
- Bake: Place pan in a water bath and bake for 55–65 minutes. Cool in the oven, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Finish: Top with whipped cream, strawberries, and lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for best results
- Strawberry swirl can be made in advance and chilled
- For a gluten-free option, use GF graham crackers for the crust
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
