Creamy Lemon Cheesecake
 
MAKES 1 (9-INCH) CAKE
Ingredients
  • 2 cups crushed shortbread cookies
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 5 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream, room temperature
  • Garnish: lemon slices, fresh mint leaves, fresh strawberries
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with baking spray with flour.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir together crushed cookies and melted butter. Press mixture into bottom of prepared pan.
  3. Bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Reduce temperature to 325°.
  4. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat cream cheese at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sugar, flour, and vanilla, beating until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until combined after each addition. Beat in cream and zest. Pour into prepared crust.
  5. Bake until soft set, about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine sour cream and remaining ⅓ cup sugar. Gently spread over cheesecake. Bake for 5 minutes. Turn oven off, and leave cheesecake in oven with door closed for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and place on a wire rack. Gently run a sharp knife around edges of cheesecake to release sides. Let cool at room temperature for 2 hours. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Garnish with lemon slices, mint, and strawberries, if desired.
Recipe by Southern Lady Magazine at https://southernladymagazine.com/creamy-lemon-cheesecake-recipe/