Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled
– 2 lemons, zest and juice
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. One at a time, blend in the eggs, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
3. Stir in the melted white chocolate, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is just combined. Pour this filling over the cooled crust.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set to the touch and the center barely jiggles when nudged.
5. Cool the cheesecake in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge to loosen and prevent cracking. Allow it to cool completely before removing the rim.
6. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, best overnight, to set the flavors and firm up the texture.
Variations & Tips
If you’re feeling adventurous or just have a glut of other citrus, substitute the lemon with lime or orange for a different zestful kick. For a nuttier crust, mix in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts with your graham cracker crumbs. To ensure that your cheesecake stands as tall and crack-free as the pride in our region’s farming heritage, always use room-temperature ingredients and don’t open the oven door while baking. And remember, patience is a virtue, especially in cheesecake baking—never rush the cooling process.
There you have it, my dears—a Lemon White Chocolate Cheesecake that whispers tales of past and present, carrying the legacy of warm kitchen love from my home to yours.