RICH LUSCIOUS LEMON CHEESECAKE

Rich Luscious Lemon Cheesecake image

"I'm always greeted with oohs and aahs when I bring out this exquisite dessert," relates Kaaren Jurack of Manassas, Virginia. "It has a wonderful lemony flavor, silky texture and rich sour cream topping. The addition of nuts to a traditional graham cracker crust makes it especially delectable."

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h35m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

CRUST:
1-1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 20 squares)
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
FILLING:
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1-1/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
TOPPING:
2 cups sour cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

In a bowl, combine the crumbs, nuts and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom of a greased 10-in. springform pan; set aside. in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, beating on low speed just until combined. Stir in the lemon juice, zest and vanilla; beat just until blended. Pour into crust. , Bake at 350° for 55 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from the oven; let stand for 5 minutes. Combine topping ingredients; spread over filling. Return to the oven for 5 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. , Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 352 calories, Fat 21g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 112mg cholesterol, Sodium 172mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (27g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.