Classic No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake

in Diana's Recipe Book

Average Rating:  (total ratings: 10)

Servings: 12

Comments: Cheesecake in it's classic form consists of a rich, smooth filling of cream cheese, eggs, and other enrichments or flavorings, baked inside a deep shell made from crushed graham crackers or cookies. In this no-bake version, you need only to bake the graham cracker crumb crust. For a fancier dessert, top this delicious cheesecake with your favorite tropical fruits such as sliced pineapple. Sliced and peeled mango, papaya and pineapple are a winning trio. Once the cheesecake has been topped with fruit, it should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 4 hours.

Ingredients: For the Crust: 1 3/4 cups (5 1/2 oz./170g) graham cracker crumbs 1/4 cup (2 oz./60g) firmly packed dark brown sugar 1 tsp. grated lemon zest 1/2 cup (4 oz./125g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled For the Filling: 2 lb. (1kg) cream cheese, at room temperature 1 cup (8 oz./250g) granulated sugar 1 cup (8 fl oz./250ml) heavy (double) cream 3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 2 tsp. grated lemon zest 1 tbsp. water 1 tsp. unflavored gelatin Garnish: (optional) 3 thin lemon slices OR: Pineapple slices OR: A combination of sliced mango, papaya and pineapple

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). To Make the Crust: In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar and lemon zest, and process to mix well. Add the butter and process until the crumbs begin to stick together. Drape your hand with plastic wrap to form a glove, and press the crumbs evenly and firmly over the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a round 9-inch x 2 1/2-inch deep springform pan. Bake the crust 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. To Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until well blended. Beat in 1/2 cup (4 fl.oz./125ml) of the cream, the lemon juice and lemon zest until incorporated. Place the water in a small saucepan. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let soften for 5 minutes. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir until the gelatin is dissolved, then gradually whisk in the remaining 1/2 (4 fl oz./125ml) cup cream. Add the gelatin mixture to the cream cheese mixture and beat until fluffy, about 1 minute. Spoon the filling into the cooled crust. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 days. To Serve: Remove cheesecake from refrigerator. Release the pan sides and place the cake on a serving plate. Overlap the lemon slices atop the center of the cake, or garnish cheesecake with sliced tropical fruit. Cut into wedges to serve. Makes one 9-inch (23cm) cheesecake; 12 servings. Photograph taken by Diana Baker Woodall© 2003

Source: DianasDesserts.com

Date: October 10, 2003

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