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Lemon Spiderweb Cheesecake

This lemon cheesecake features a creamy, tangy filling nestled on a crunchy graham cracker crust. The dessert is decorated with a web pattern made from sour cream or whipped cream, creating a striking visual appeal. Its smooth texture and bright flavor make it a delightful treat for any occasion, especially when decorated creatively.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits
  • 1/4 cup sugar for crust
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sugar for filling
  • 3 large eggs fresh
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice bright, zesty flavor
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest for extra brightness
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or whipped cream for web decoration

Equipment

  • Springform pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Piping bag and tips
  • Toothpick or skewer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a 23cm (9-inch) springform pan with parchment paper and lightly butter the sides. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar, then pour in melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes until golden, then set aside to cool.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add sugar and continue beating until well combined and fluffy.
  3. One at a time, beat in the eggs, mixing just until combined after each addition. Then stir in lemon juice and lemon zest until the mixture is bright and smooth.
  4. Pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
  5. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Then, carefully transfer to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.
  6. Once chilled, spread sour cream or whipped cream in concentric circles on the surface of the cheesecake. Use a toothpick or skewer to drag from the center outward, creating a web pattern. Repeat around the surface until the web is complete.
  7. Chill the decorated cheesecake for another 30 minutes to help the web set and hold its shape. Slice with a sharp knife and serve to enjoy the bright, creamy, and visually stunning dessert.

Notes

For a more dramatic web, pipe the sour cream in thicker rings or use a contrasting color for added visual impact. Keep the cheesecake chilled until serving to ensure the web pattern stays intact.