Luscious lemon cheesecake

10 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2cupsCrushed graham crackers (cinnamon)
24ouncesCream cheese; room temp.
1⅓cupSugar
3Eggs; room temperature
2cupsSour cream
3tablespoonsSugar
¾cupWater
cupFresh lemon juice
1Egg yolk
½cupSugar
Thinly sliced lemon peel,
6tablespoonsUnsalted butter; melted
¼cupFresh lemon juice
1tablespoonGrated lemon peel
2teaspoonsVanilla extract
1teaspoonVanilla extract
tablespoonCornstarch
¼teaspoonSalt
1tablespoonButter
2teaspoonsGrated lemon peel halved and twisted

Directions

CRUST

FILLING

TOPPING

GLAZE

GARNISH

FOR CRUST: Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter 9-inch springform pan.

Blend crumbs and melted butter in bowl. Press mixture into bottom and up sides of prepared pan. Bake 5 minutes. Cool. FOR FILLING: Preheat oven to 350 F. Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese until soft. Gradually blend in sugar. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Mix in lemon juice, lemon peel and vanilla. Pour into crust. Bake until slightly puffed, about 40 minutes. Maintain oven temperature at 350 F. FOR TOPPING: Blend all ingredients in small bowl. Spread on top of cake. Bake 15 minutes; topping will not look set. Cool 30 minutes. FOR GLAZE: Combine water, lemon juice and yolk in heavy small saucepan. Stir in sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Bring to boil over low heat, stirring constantly, about 10 minutes. Add butter and lemon peel and stir until butter melts. Cool glaze for 20 minutes.

Spread glaze on cake. Cool completely. Refrigerate until well chilled. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead.) Garnish with lemon slices.

Serve cold.