Description
This Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet — with a buttery graham cracker crust and a stunning raspberry swirl that makes every slice a showstopper. A classic baked cheesecake made simple, elegant, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
5 tablespoons melted butter
For the Raspberry Swirl:
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen raspberries
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
For the Cheesecake Filling:
24 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3 large eggs + 2 egg yolks
For the Water Bath:
Hot water (for roasting pan)
Aluminum foil (to wrap pan)
Optional Garnish:
Fresh raspberries, lemon slices, and whipped cream
Instructions
Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Wrap a 9-inch springform pan in foil and lightly grease it.Make the Crust:
Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.Make Raspberry Swirl:
In a saucepan, heat raspberries and sugar over medium heat. Mix cornstarch and lemon juice in a small bowl; stir into raspberries. Cook until thickened. Strain to remove seeds and cool completely.Prepare Filling:
Beat cream cheese on low until smooth. Add sugar and flour, then sour cream, lemon juice, and zest. Mix in eggs one at a time until just combined.Assemble:
Pour half the cheesecake batter into the crust. Spoon half the raspberry puree on top and swirl gently. Add the remaining batter and swirl the rest of the raspberry sauce.Bake:
Place the pan in a water bath (in a large roasting pan filled halfway with hot water). Bake at 300°F (148°C) for about 1 hour 25 minutes, until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.Cool:
Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Then cool to room temperature and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.Serve:
Slice with a warm knife, wipe between cuts, and garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon zest.
Notes
For a smooth texture, use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs.
Don’t overmix after adding the eggs to prevent cracks.
The raspberry sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and chilled.
To freeze, wrap the cooled cheesecake tightly and store for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked in water bath
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: lemon raspberry swirl cheesecake, baked cheesecake recipe, creamy cheesecake, lemon dessert, raspberry swirl dessert