desserts

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake

This Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake is the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and fruity. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich lemon-infused cheesecake filling, and bursts of juicy blueberries, it’s finished with a vibrant homemade blueberry topping and fluffy whipped cream. This show-stopping cheesecake is ideal for spring and summer gatherings, holidays, or any time you want a fresh twist on a classic dessert. While it takes time to prepare and chill, the results are more than worth it!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

Crust

  • 2¼ cups (302g) graham cracker crumbs

  • 10 tablespoons (140g) salted butter, melted

  • 3 tablespoons (39g) sugar

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 oz (678g) cream cheese, room temperature

  • 1 cup (207g) sugar

  • 3 tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour

  • ¾ cup (173g) sour cream

  • 6 tablespoons (90ml) lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest

  • 3 large eggs, room temperature

  • 2 large egg yolks, room temperature

  • 1½ cups blueberries

Blueberry Topping

  • ¼ cup (52g) sugar

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • 2 teaspoons water

  • 2 cups (277g) blueberries

Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold

  • ½ cup (58g) powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Directions

For the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.

  2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan.

  3. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool. Wrap the outside of the pan with foil to prepare for a water bath.

For the Cheesecake Filling
4. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).
5. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour on low speed until smooth.
6. Mix in sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest until combined.
7. Add eggs and yolks one at a time, mixing on low. Scrape the bowl as needed.
8. Gently fold in the blueberries.
9. Pour the batter over the crust.
10. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Add warm water to the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the springform pan.
11. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, until center is set but slightly jiggly.
12. Turn off oven, leave the door closed for 30 minutes, then crack the door for another 30 minutes.
13. Remove from oven, remove foil, and chill in the fridge until fully cooled.

For the Blueberry Topping
14. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and water. Heat until sugar begins to dissolve.
15. Add blueberries and stir until they soften and release juices. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Cool completely.

For the Whipped Cream
16. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
17. Remove cheesecake from pan, pipe whipped cream around edges, top with blueberry topping and lemon slices.
18. Store refrigerated and enjoy within 3–4 days.

Nutrients (Per Slice, approx. 12–14 servings)

  • Calories: 555

  • Carbohydrates: 52.9g

  • Sugar: 35.3g

  • Fat: 35.9g

  • Protein: 7.9g

  • Sodium: 384.2mg

  • Cholesterol: 160.7mg

  • Vitamin C: 15mg

  • Calcium: 90mg

  • Iron: 1mg

The Fresh Appeal of Lemon and Blueberry

What makes this cheesecake so irresistible is the vibrant flavor combination of lemon and blueberry. Lemon brings a refreshing zing that lifts the richness of the cheesecake filling, while blueberries add natural sweetness and pockets of fruity goodness. Together, they create a dynamic flavor profile that’s both indulgent and refreshing. The lemon zest and juice infuse the batter with citrus brightness, which balances the sweet, creamy layers. When paired with the burst of flavor from the blueberries—both in the filling and the topping—each bite feels light yet satisfying.

A Crust That Sets the Stage

The graham cracker crust is the unsung hero of this dessert. Its crumbly texture and caramel-like flavor provide the perfect foundation for the luscious filling. Made with melted salted butter and a touch of sugar, it has just the right amount of richness and crunch. Pressed firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a springform pan, it forms a sturdy base that holds everything together while adding contrast to the soft and creamy layers above. Pre-baking the crust ensures it stays crisp and doesn’t become soggy once the cheesecake is added.

A Cheesecake Filling That’s Rich but Balanced

The filling of this cheesecake is luxuriously smooth, made with cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs to create a velvety texture. The sour cream adds a light tang that enhances the lemon without overwhelming it. Lemon juice and zest are incorporated directly into the batter, giving it a bright, sunny flavor that complements the sweetness of the blueberries. Folding in whole blueberries adds juicy surprises in every slice, and their deep purple hue creates a beautiful contrast against the pale yellow cheesecake. It’s a filling that’s rich, but never heavy—perfect for warmer months when lighter flavors are in demand.

The Art of a Water Bath for Perfect Baking

Baking this cheesecake in a water bath is essential for achieving that perfectly creamy, crack-free texture. The gentle, even heat created by the water prevents the edges from cooking too quickly and keeps the center smooth and tender. Wrapping the springform pan in foil keeps water out and protects the crust. Once baked, the cheesecake is slowly cooled in the oven with the door closed, then cracked open, which helps prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking. Though it takes patience, this method ensures a flawless result every time.

A Homemade Blueberry Topping That Shines

The blueberry topping is a simple but powerful addition that elevates the entire dessert. Made by gently simmering blueberries with sugar, water, and a bit of cornstarch, the topping becomes thick and glossy while still allowing the berries to shine. This sauce not only adds vibrant color and texture but also enhances the natural blueberry flavor in the filling. Once cooled, it’s spooned generously over the cheesecake, adding a fresh, juicy finish that makes the dessert visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.

Whipped Cream and Garnishes for the Finishing Touch

To complete this masterpiece, freshly whipped cream is piped around the edges for a cloud-like finish. Lightly sweetened with powdered sugar and flavored with vanilla, the whipped cream adds a luxurious touch that contrasts beautifully with the bold fruit topping. Garnishing with lemon slices adds visual appeal and gives a hint of the citrusy brightness that defines the entire dessert. The final presentation is elegant and inviting—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a bakery-quality slice at home.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake is incredibly versatile and fits effortlessly into any celebration or seasonal menu. It’s ideal for spring and summer when citrus and berries are at their best, but its year-round appeal makes it just as welcome on a holiday dessert table. Whether you serve it at Easter brunch, Mother’s Day, a summer picnic, or a bridal shower, it offers a bright and sophisticated flavor profile that stands out. Because it needs time to chill and set, it’s also a perfect make-ahead dessert that frees up time for other meal prep or entertaining.

Make-Ahead Friendly and Easy to Store

While this cheesecake does require planning, it rewards your effort with convenience. It can be made a day or two in advance and kept chilled until you’re ready to serve. The topping and whipped cream can also be prepped ahead and assembled just before serving to keep everything fresh and picture-perfect. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. With proper storage in an airtight container, it will maintain its texture and flavor for several days.

Tips for the Best Cheesecake Experience

To ensure a smooth, crack-free cheesecake, always bring your ingredients to room temperature before mixing. Beating the cream cheese until smooth before adding other ingredients helps prevent lumps, and mixing on low speed avoids incorporating too much air, which can lead to cracks. Gently folding in the blueberries prevents them from breaking and turning the batter purple. When baking, resist the urge to open the oven door too early—slow, steady baking is key. And always let the cheesecake chill thoroughly before slicing to ensure clean, neat cuts and the best texture.

Conclusion

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the classic richness of cheesecake with a fresh, fruity twist. It’s a celebration of balance—creamy yet light, sweet yet tangy, indulgent yet refreshing. From the crunchy graham cracker crust to the lemon-kissed filling, to the luscious blueberry topping and whipped cream finish, every layer offers something special. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or a quiet weekend treat, this cheesecake brings elegance, flavor, and satisfaction in every single bite. Once you’ve made it, it’s bound to become a beloved favorite in your dessert rotation.

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