Fresh Blueberry Cheesecake with Homemade Crust Delight
Fresh Blueberry Cheesecake with Homemade Crust Delight is a creamy, fruity dessert featuring fresh blueberries atop a rich cream cheese filling and a crisp homemade crust. This elegant yet easy-to-make cheesecake offers a perfect balance of tartness, sweetness, and texture, ideal for celebrations or simple indulgent moments.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made Gluten Free with substitutions
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Filling
- 24 ounces (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (plus extra for topping)
For the Blueberry Topping
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted unsalted butter and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create a compact base. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling to ensure it sets and holds its crunch.
- Make the Creamy Filling: Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time to maintain creaminess. Mix in sour cream or heavy cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest for brightness and flavor depth.
- Incorporate Blueberries: Gently fold fresh blueberries into the filling or reserve them to sprinkle on top. This careful folding prevents the filling from turning purple or watery, keeping the cheesecake visually appealing.
- Bake Your Cheesecake: Pour the filling over the chilled crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) using a water bath or placing a pan of water on the lower rack to maintain moisture and prevent cracking. Bake low and slow for about 50-60 minutes until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Let the cheesecake cool gradually to room temperature, then chill it in the refrigerator overnight to firm up and develop flavor.
- Add the Blueberry Topping: Simmer fresh blueberries with sugar and lemon juice until thickened into a compote. Cool completely, then spread evenly over the cheesecake for a glossy, sweet, and tangy finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Baking in a water bath or adding water to the lower oven rack helps prevent cracks by maintaining moisture.
- Cool the cheesecake gradually and chill overnight for best texture and flavor.
- Always use fresh, firm blueberries for optimal taste and appearance instead of frozen ones.
- Using a springform pan makes removing the cheesecake easy and keeps the crust intact.
- Frozen blueberries can be used if thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture.
- Cheesecake is best served chilled but can sit at room temperature for 20 minutes if preferred slightly warmer. Avoid microwaving.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: blueberry cheesecake, homemade crust, fresh blueberries, creamy dessert, baked cheesecake, fruit topping