The Cheesecake Factory's Lemon Cheesecake with Raspberry Drizzle (Copycat Recipe)

Indulge in the zesty brightness of this lemon cheesecake, inspired by The Cheesecake Factory’s famous version. Creamy and rich with a buttery graham cracker crust, this dessert is elevated by a vibrant raspberry drizzle that adds a delightful tartness. Perfectly sweet and refreshingly citrusy, it’s a dessert that balances traditional cheesecake flavors with a creative twist, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar, mixing until creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the sour cream, flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
7. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
8. For the raspberry drizzle, combine fresh raspberries, powdered sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
9. Serve slices of cheesecake drizzled with raspberry sauce.