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Okay, folks, let's talk cheesecake. Not just any cheesecake, but one that bursts with sunshine and happy flavors. A few weeks ago, I was at my wit's end. Winter just wouldn't quit, and all I craved was a taste of summer. So, I did what any reasonable person would do—I baked my feelings away. Enter this Lemon Poppy Seed Strawberry Cheesecake. Trust me; it’s like a vacation for your taste buds. I even messed up the crust the first time (who hasn’t?), but the final result? Pure magic. You simply must try this. Seriously, you'll thank me later.
Imagine this: you slice into the cheesecake, revealing a gorgeous swirl of lemon and poppy seeds. The tangy lemon cuts through the richness of the cheesecake, while the poppy seeds add a delightful little crunch. Then, you get to the strawberries – sweet, juicy, and bursting with summery goodness. I mean, come on, is your mouth watering yet? My friend, Sarah, tried this last week, and she hasn’t stopped raving about it. Even my super picky nephew devoured a slice (which is saying something!). Oh, and don't even get me started on the aroma while it bakes—pure heaven!
This Lemon Poppy Seed Strawberry Cheesecake combines the bright zest of lemon with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds, all swirled into a creamy cheesecake base and topped with fresh strawberries. It’s a dessert that screams springtime, perfect for brunches, celebrations, or just a delightful treat!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:12 servings
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 75 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This is crucial for even baking and preventing cracks in your cheesecake.
Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it in.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes. This helps it set and prevents a soggy bottom. Set aside to cool slightly. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat 32 ounces (four 8-ounce packages) cream cheese, softened, until smooth. It's super important that your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps!
Add 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar and beat until well combined. Don't overbeat at this stage; just mix until everything is smooth.
Mix in 1/4 cup sour cream and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. The sour cream adds a lovely tang to the cheesecake. Next goes in the juice of 1 large lemon, and about 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and two tablespoons of poppyseeds
Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, beating gently after each addition. Again, be careful not to overbeat; this can cause the cheesecake to puff up too much and then crack as it cools.
Pour half of the cheesecake filling into the prepared crust. Dollop 1/2 cup strawberry jam randomly over the top
Add the remaining cheesecake filling into the springform pan on top of the jam.
Bake for 70-75 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. It's better to underbake slightly than to overbake. Mine usually takes around 72 minutes. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly ajar for an hour. This helps prevent cracking. I know it's tempting to take it out, but resist!
After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the cheesecake to fully set and the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, top with fresh strawberry slices. Feel free to add a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar if you're feeling fancy!
📝 Notes
For a tangier flavor, use more lemon zest.
If you don’t have graham crackers, digestive biscuits work well too.