Luscious Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake

1. Prepare the Crust:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
• Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm, even crust.
• Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

2. Make the Raspberry Swirl:

• In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly.
• Remove from heat and let it cool. Once cooled, strain the raspberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds, leaving a smooth raspberry sauce.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
• Add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until incorporated.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Add the sour cream and heavy cream, and beat until smooth.

4. Assemble the Cheesecake:

• Pour half of the cheesecake batter onto the cooled crust in the springform pan.
• Drizzle a few spoonfuls of the raspberry sauce over the batter, then use a knife or skewer to swirl the raspberry sauce into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
• Add the remaining cheesecake batter on top and swirl again with the raspberry sauce for a more intense swirl effect.
• Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

5. Bake the Cheesecake:

• Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
• Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour inside the oven.
• Afterward, transfer the cheesecake to the fridge and let it chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

6. Serve and Garnish:

• Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. You can garnish it with fresh raspberries, lemon slices, or extra raspberry swirl if desired.

This Luscious Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake is the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a smooth and creamy texture that melts in your mouth. The colorful raspberry swirl adds a stunning visual element, making it a truly show-stopping dessert! 🍋🍰