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Slice of Paradise Cheesecake topped with fresh berries and whipped cream

Paradise Cheesecake

Paradise Cheesecake is a creamy, dreamy dessert that's perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in, delivering both flavor and elegance.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • cup sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling
  • 4 packages (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • Zest of 1 lemon or more if you're feeling zesty!
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
For the topping (optional)
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream
  • A sprinkle of toasted coconut for that tropical touch

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add sugar, mixing until well-combined. Stir in the vanilla, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing briefly after each addition. Finally, fold in the lemon juice and zest.
  4. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for about 60 minutes.
Cooling and Serving
  1. Once out of the oven, allow the cheesecake to cool on a wire rack for about an hour.
  2. After that, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours (or overnight, if you can resist!).
  3. When ready to serve, remove the sides of the springform pan and slice the cheesecake. Top with fresh berries, whipped cream, or toasted coconut.

Notes

If you're short on time, store-bought crusts work well! For perfect slices, dip your knife in hot water before cutting each slice and wipe it dry. Feel free to customize with lime instead of lemon or add chocolate chips.