Lemon Curd Cheesecake with Shortbread Crust

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both tangy and creamy, you’ve come to the right place! This Lemon Curd Cheesecake with Shortbread Crust is a true gem in my recipe collection. It brings the perfect balance of sweetness and zest, making it an absolute favorite for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Not only is it a delightful treat for lemon lovers, but it also impresses guests with its beautiful layers and luscious flavors.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to indulge in something delicious after a long day, this cheesecake fits the bill. It’s simple enough to make on a busy weeknight, yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. You’ll feel like a gourmet chef while enjoying every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip this up successfully!
• Perfectly Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese and sour cream creates an unbelievably smooth cheesecake.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this cheesecake in advance, giving you more time to relax before serving.
• Fresh and Zesty Flavor: The homemade lemon curd adds brightness and flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or just a weekend treat, this cheesecake is always a hit!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Lemon Curd Cheesecake with Shortbread Crust is half the fun! They are simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Lemon Curd

• 1 1/2 tsp lemon zest
• 6 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Shortbread Crust

• 2 cups shortbread cookie crumbs (315 grams, pulsed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz full fat cream cheese, cubed and softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp arrowroot starch
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature

For the Whipped Cream Topping

• 1 cup cold heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and try these variations:

• Add Fresh Berries: Top your cheesecake with fresh strawberries or blueberries for added flavor and color.
• Use Different Citrus: Swap out some of the lemon juice for lime or orange juice for a unique twist.
• Try A Different Crust: Experiment with graham cracker crumbs or even nut-based crusts for different textures.
• Mix In Chocolate: Fold in some melted white chocolate into the filling for an indulgent touch.

How to Make Lemon Curd Cheesecake with Shortbread Crust

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Curd

Whisk together the lemon zest, juice, sugar, salt, and eggs in a heavy saucepan. Cooking over low heat while whisking constantly helps thicken the mixture gently without scrambling the eggs. Adding butter piece by piece gives the curd that rich texture we all love.

Step 2: Chill the Curd

After thickening, strain your curd through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. This step is crucial because it removes any lumps and ensures a silky-smooth consistency. Covering it directly with plastic wrap prevents any skin from forming as it chills in the fridge.

Step 3: Prepare Your Oven and Springform Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush your springform pan with softened butter and line it with parchment paper. This preparation helps your cheesecake release easily after baking!

Step 4: Make the Shortbread Crust

In a medium bowl, mix together shortbread cookie crumbs, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Adding melted butter will create that perfect crumbly texture that holds together when pressed into your pan.

Step 5: Bake the Crust

Press your crust mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Baking it until lightly golden not only sets it but also enhances its flavor.

Step 6: Mix Your Cheesecake Filling

Beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, arrowroot starch, and salt until smooth. The key here is mixing on low speed; this prevents adding too much air which could lead to cracks later.

Step 7: Add Sour Cream & Eggs

Incorporating sour cream gives extra creaminess while adding eggs one at a time ensures they mix evenly without overbeating.

Step 8: Bake Your Cheesecake

Pour that luscious filling over your cooled crust! Baking at a lower temperature allows for gentle cooking so that the center remains slightly wobbly—this is perfect!

Step 9: Cool Down Slowly

Once baked, turn off your oven and let your cheesecake cool inside. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks from forming due to sudden temperature changes.

Step 10: Chill Overnight

Refrigerate uncovered overnight—this allows flavors to meld beautifully while preventing condensation from ruining that perfect topping.

Step 11: Prepare Whipped Cream Topping

When ready to serve, beat cold heavy cream until soft peaks form before adding powdered sugar and vanilla. This light topping balances out the richness of the cheesecake perfectly!

Step 12: Assemble Your Cheesecake

Top with homemade lemon curd first then pipe whipped cream around the edges. If you’d like garnish with fresh lemon slices for an extra pop!

Step 13: Slice & Serve

For clean slices dip your knife in hot water before cutting—you deserve those picture-perfect pieces!

Enjoy every zesty bite of this delightful Lemon Curd Cheesecake with Shortbread Crust!

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Curd Cheesecake with Shortbread Crust

Creating the perfect Lemon Curd Cheesecake with Shortbread Crust is a delightful journey, and a few pro tips can make all the difference!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature helps create a smooth and creamy filling without lumps.

• Don’t overmix: When adding eggs to the cheesecake mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air, causing the cheesecake to crack while baking.

• Bake in a water bath: For an even creamier texture and to prevent cracks, consider placing your springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water while baking.

• Cool gradually: Allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven prevents sudden temperature changes that can lead to cracks. The method of propping the oven door open works wonders!

• Chill overnight: Giving your cheesecake ample time to chill allows flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a firmer texture that’s easier to slice.

How to Serve Lemon Curd Cheesecake with Shortbread Crust

Serving your Lemon Curd Cheesecake should be as enjoyable as making it! Here are some delightful ideas to present this beautiful dessert.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of fresh mint not only adds a pop of color but also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cheesecake.
• Zest of lemon: Sprinkling some additional lemon zest on top enhances the citrus flavor and makes for an attractive presentation.
• Lemon slices: Thinly sliced lemons placed around the edge or on top offer visual appeal and can be enjoyed by those who love a zesty kick.

Side Dishes

• Mixed berry compote: A vibrant blend of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries lightly cooked down creates a sweet-tart counterpoint that complements the creamy cheesecake perfectly.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside each slice adds an extra layer of indulgence and balances out the acidity of the lemon.
• Herbed fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad tossed with herbs like basil or mint brings brightness and freshness, enhancing your dessert experience.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream adds a lightness that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheesecake while keeping it creamy.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’re ready to impress your guests or simply indulge yourself in this delightful dessert. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Lemon Curd Cheesecake with Shortbread Crust is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it taste better after chilling overnight, but it also keeps well for several days, making it an ideal dessert to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Cover the cheesecake loosely with plastic wrap or foil to avoid condensation on the surface.
• For best flavor and texture, consume within a few days of making.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat cheesecake; it’s best served chilled.
• If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing.

FAQs

Have questions about this delicious dessert? Here are some answers!

Can I make Lemon Curd Cheesecake with Shortbread Crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead. It actually tastes better after chilling overnight, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.

How should I store my Lemon Curd Cheesecake with Shortbread Crust?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just be sure to wrap it well.

What can I use instead of heavy cream for the whipped topping?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping if you’re looking for a lighter option or have dietary restrictions.

Can I use a different type of crust?

Certainly! If you want a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs in place of shortbread cookie crumbs.

How do I know when my cheesecake is done baking?

Your cheesecake will be done when the edges are set but the center remains slightly wobbly. It will firm up as it cools!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Lemon Curd Cheesecake with Shortbread Crust as much as I do! It’s a wonderful treat that combines creamy textures with bright lemon flavors—perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to share your experience or variations you try. Happy baking!