Zesty Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Delight

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including cooling and chilling time)

INGREDIENTS:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup melted butter
2 cups sliced strawberries
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Whipped cream
Fresh strawberries and lemon slices for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until thoroughly combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create the crust.

Layer Strawberries:
Evenly spread the sliced strawberries over the crust.

Create the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully incorporated.

Assemble and Bake:
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the strawberries in the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set.

Cool Gradually:
Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.

Chill:
Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and lemon slices.