🍋 Lemon Basque Cheesecake

A creamy, caramelized cheesecake with a lemon twist

Recipe Information

Prep25 min
Cook35 min
Total~1 hr
Chill2+ hrs
Serves8
AllergensDairy, Eggs, Gluten

Ingredients

Important: Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature before starting!

For the Cheesecake

  • 600 g cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 200 g granulated sugar
  • 200 g eggs (about 4 large eggs)
  • 130 g sour cream
  • 50 g fresh lemon juice
  • 130 g heavy cream
  • 25 g all-purpose flour
  • 6 g flaky sea salt
    • ingredients

For the Sticky Lemons

  • 2 lemons, thinly sliced
  • 100 g light brown sugar
  • 100 g boiling water

Tools & Equipment

  • 8-inch springform pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Stand or hand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk & spatula
  • Measuring cups, spoons, scale
  • Oven thermometer
Golden lemon basque cheesecake
The finished cheesecake with its signature caramelized top

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat to 450°F (230°C). Line your 8-inch pan with parchment paper, letting it rise above the rim for easy removal.

2. Cream Cheese & Sugar

Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar until fluffy.

cream cheese

3. Add Eggs & Dairy

Add eggs one at a time, then sour cream, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Mix gently to combine.

Combining wet ingredients

4. Fold in Flour & Salt

Whisk a bit of batter with flour and salt, then fold into the rest.

Adding dry ingredients

5. Bake Cheesecake & Lemons

Pour batter into pan. Bake cheesecake and sugared lemon slices for 25–35 minutes until golden but slightly jiggly.

Consistency image

6. Finish & Chill

Remove foil from lemons, bake 5 more minutes. Cool cheesecake fully, then chill for 2+ hours or overnight.

final product
Baking process showing cheesecake and lemons
The baking process - cheesecake and candied lemons together

Serving & Tips

Perfect slice of cheesecake with candied lemons
Slice served with sticky lemon slices

Let the cheesecake rest 30 minutes at room temperature before cutting. Serve with candied lemon slices.

Helpful Tips

  • Use room-temperature ingredients
  • Do not overmix the batter
  • Cool fully before chilling
  • Cracks are normal — flavor stays perfect!
  • Tastes even better next day

Adapted from Food52