The Lemon and Blueberry Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the tangy freshness of lemon with the sweet and luscious taste of blueberries. This mouthwatering cheesecake is a combination of a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake filling infused with lemon zest and juice, and a swirl of homemade blueberry sauce on top.

Cheesecakes, in general, have a long history that can be traced back to ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans. The modern version of cheesecake, as we know it today, likely originated in the United States in the late 19th century. Cream cheese, an essential ingredient in cheesecakes, was developed by William Lawrence, an American dairyman, in 1872. This innovation made it easier to create smooth and creamy cheesecakes, leading to their popularity in American cuisine.

The combination of lemon and blueberries in cheesecakes is a more contemporary twist on the classic dessert. It adds a refreshing and fruity element to the richness of the cheesecake, making it a favorite among dessert enthusiasts.

INGREDIENTS

Blueberry Sauce:

• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 packages (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/3 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
• Juice of one Meyer lemon
• Zest from one Meyer lemon

INSTRUCTIONS

Preparing the Blueberry Sauce:

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, water, and sugar. Stir frequently to bring it to a low boil. Be careful not to crush the berries.
2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until combined.
3. Slowly stir the cornstarch mixture into the blueberries, being careful not to crush them. Simmer until the blueberry sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a metal spoon, which usually takes about 10 minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Allow the blueberry sauce to cool at room temperature. Measure out 1/2 cup for the cheesecake recipe, and store the remaining sauce in jars in the fridge for later use.

Preparing the Crust:

1. In a large bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and granulated sugar using a rubber spatula until well combined.
2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform cake pan, making sure it’s tight and compact. Also, slightly press the crust up the sides of the pan.
3. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

Cheesecake Filling:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until fluffy.
3. Add the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the cream cheese, and beat until everything is well combined.
4. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating until just combined after each addition.
5. On low speed, beat in the sour cream just until combined.
6. Remove the chilled crust from the fridge and pour the cheesecake filling into it.
7. In a circular motion, pour the blueberry sauce over the cheesecake filling, and with the edge of a spatula, create swirls to mix the blueberry sauce into the cheesecake. Be careful not to overmix.
8. Bake the cheesecake for about 1 1/4 hours or until the center is almost set.
9. Allow the cheesecake to cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top.
10. Loosen the sides of the pan and continue cooling the cheesecake on the wire rack until it reaches room temperature.
11. Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and let it refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours before serving.
12. The cheesecake can be served with warm blueberry sauce.
13. Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator.

Enjoy this delightful Lemon and Blueberry Cheesecake as a delicious and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!