Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction to the Recipe

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake is the perfect marriage of tangy citrus and juicy berries wrapped in a smooth, rich cream cheese filling. It’s the kind of dessert that hits all the right notes—bright, luscious, and just sweet enough. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a glossy blueberry sauce on top, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

This recipe features fresh blueberries in both the filling and topping, along with real lemon juice and zest to create a naturally vibrant flavor. The cheesecake itself is creamy but firm, baked low and slow to avoid cracks and ensure that silky-smooth texture. Whether you’re baking for a summer brunch, Easter dinner, or just to impress a cheesecake lover, this one delivers every time.

Plus, if you’re new to making cheesecake from scratch, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through all the essential steps, including how to prevent overbaking and tips for water bath baking. Want to brush up on the basics? Here’s a great guide to baking cheesecakes without cracks and another on how to zest citrus the right way.

If you love bold flavors in elegant form, this Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake is everything you want in a show-stopping homemade dessert.


Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

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Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Recipe


  • Author: Sarah White

Description

This Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake blends creamy citrus filling, fresh blueberries, and a buttery crust for the ultimate dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Filling

  • 32 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (four 8-ounce blocks)
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
  • ¼ cup heavy cream, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 ½ teaspoons fresh lemon zest
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Blueberry Sauce

  • 3 cups fresh blueberries
  • â…“ cup granulated sugar
  • â…“ cup water (to cook the blueberries)
  • 2 tablespoons water (to mix with the cornstarch)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Make the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until evenly combined.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  3. Mix in sour cream, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Toss the blueberries in flour and gently fold them into the batter.

3. Assemble and Bake

  1. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
  2. Wrap the bottom of the springform pan in foil and place it in a larger pan filled with 1 inch of hot water (water bath).
  3. Bake for 55–70 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
  4. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
  5. Remove from oven and chill for at least 6 hours or overnight.

4. Make the Blueberry Sauce

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, sugar, and â…“ cup water. Cook until berries begin to burst.
  2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry.
  3. Stir the slurry and lemon juice into the berries. Simmer until thickened, then remove from heat.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract. Let cool completely before spooning over cheesecake.

5. Serve

  1. Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, top with the cooled blueberry sauce.
  2. Slice with a clean, warm knife for best presentation.

Notes

Don’t overmix the batter—it can cause cracks.

Always use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest filling.

Use a water bath to prevent the cheesecake from drying out or cracking.


Advanced Techniques

1. Create a Lemon Swirl Design

After pouring the cheesecake batter into the pan, drop spoonfuls of lemon curd on top and use a knife to gently swirl it through. This adds visual appeal and an extra citrus punch.

2. Use Stabilized Whipped Cream for Decoration

Pipe rosettes of stabilized whipped cream around the edge before serving. Use gelatin or a stabilizer to help it hold its shape longer at room temperature.

3. Add a Layer of Lemon Curd Under the Sauce

Spread a thin layer of lemon curd on top of the cheesecake before adding the blueberry sauce. It intensifies the lemon flavor and adds a silky texture.

4. Infuse the Cream with Lemon Peel

For added depth, simmer the heavy cream with lemon peel for 5 minutes, then cool before using in the filling. It adds a subtle, infused citrus note throughout.

5. Make Mini Cheesecakes in Muffin Tins

Divide the crust and filling into a lined muffin tin for single-serve cheesecakes. Bake for 18–20 minutes and top each with a spoonful of blueberry sauce.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake


Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

1. Chill Overnight for Best Flavor

Cheesecake develops its best texture and flavor after a full night in the fridge. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a cake dome.

2. Store Sauce Separately

If not serving all at once, keep the blueberry sauce in a separate airtight container in the fridge to prevent sogginess.

3. Freeze Slices for Future Desserts

Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

4. Keep Knife Clean for Smooth Cuts

Dip your knife in warm water and wipe it clean between each slice to get neat, clean cheesecake pieces.

5. Don’t Overload with Toppings

While tempting, piling on too much sauce can weigh down the slices. Use a light hand for an elegant finish.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake


Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust and ensure flour used to coat blueberries is GF-certified.

2. Low-Sugar Version

Substitute sugar with a 1:1 granulated sugar alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Adjust sweetness in the sauce as needed.

3. Dairy-Free Cheesecake

Use vegan cream cheese, dairy-free sour cream, and coconut cream. Check graham crackers and butter substitutes for dairy ingredients.

4. Egg-Free Alternative

Use a commercial egg replacer or a mix of cornstarch and water for structure. This may slightly change the texture but still works well.

5. Nut-Free and Safe

This recipe is naturally nut-free, but always double-check your graham cracker brand and baking products to avoid cross-contamination.


FAQs About the Recipe

1. Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen berries in both the filling and the sauce. Thaw and drain before using to avoid excess moisture.

2. Why did my cheesecake crack?

Cracks often come from overbaking or sudden temperature changes. Stick with a water bath and let it cool slowly for best results.

3. Can I skip the water bath?

You can, but it’s not recommended. A water bath helps regulate the oven temp and prevents the cheesecake from drying out.

4. How do I tell when it’s done baking?

The edges should be set and the center slightly jiggly. It will firm up more as it cools and chills.

5. How long will it last in the fridge?

Properly stored, it lasts up to 5 days in the fridge. Keep it covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.


Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake is one of those desserts that feels special without being overly complicated. The bright pop of citrus, the fresh berries, the creamy texture—every element works together in harmony.

It’s a dessert that impresses, whether for a holiday meal, a spring celebration, or a weekend indulgence. And with so many ways to personalize it—lemon curd swirls, mini versions, low-sugar swaps—you can make it fit any occasion or preference.

Once you try it, you’ll see it’s more than just another cheesecake. It’s a layered, luscious treat that celebrates bold flavor and seasonal ingredients. Make it once and you’ll want to make it again and again.

So preheat your oven, grab your lemons and berries, and get ready to bake a cheesecake that’s as stunning as it is satisfying.

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