Go Zesty With These Lemon Toppings For Your Next Cheesecake

Who doesn't love cheesecake? It is just so decadent and rich and creamy! But sometimes, it can be just too heavy. Don’t worry, we have a zesty twist that takes over your cheesecake. Adding a lemon top to the cheesecake brings a really much-needed fresh flavor cutting into the richness of the cheesecake, giving a wonderful tang to it. Simple lemon curd or a playful candied lemon zest, their properties change your cheesecake from ordinary to extraordinary.

Lemons bring a new kind of freshness, a perfect twirl of acidity that perfectly balances with cheesecake's richness. Its zestiness adds a pop of flavor, while the bright yellow hues make any dessert look extra inviting. From luscious lemon curd to thin candied slices, you can play around with a multitude of possibilities.

If you like messing around with desserts or simply want to bring your cheesecake game up a level, then it's the lemony twist for you. Now, let's get into action and see how you can come up with a great cheesecake that is topped with some pretty fantastic creations inspired by lemons that'll make your taste buds enjoy the fullest!

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups digestive biscuit crumbs (or any plain biscuit of your choice)
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 500g cream cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs

Method:

1. Preheat the oven at 160°C. Mix the biscuit crumbs and melted butter, then press into the bottom of a greased springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside and cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well. Add eggs, beating gently after each addition.
3. Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
4. Chill until totally cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Different Lemon Toppings to try

Lemon Curd

Lemon curd is one of the most traditional toppings and goes very well with cheesecake.

The silkiest texture of lemon curd and its tart, sweet flavor make it perfect to contrast the creamy base. Making the lemon curd is also not a big deal—you will only need lemon juice, sugar, butter, and eggs. After cooking it gently over low heat until thickened, let it cool to room temperature. Spoon it generously over your cheesecake, and you’ve got a topping that’s not just tangy but also creamy and rich. For a bit of extra flair, add a swirl of whipped cream alongside it.

Candied Lemon Zest

If you’re looking for a crunchy, sweet topping, candied lemon zest is the way to go. The zesty lemon flavor is intensified by the sugar coating, creating a little burst of citrusy goodness with each bite. To make it, simply slice lemon peel into thin strips and boil it with sugar syrup until it’s soft. Then, dry the strips and coat them in sugar to make them extra sweet. After drying, dust the candied zest over your cheesecake for a great textural contrast and another pop of lemon.

Lemon Sugar Syrup

Lemon sugar syrup is a simple yet effective topping that will add both sweetness and acidity to your cheesecake. This can readily be done by boiling equal amounts of sugar and water, mixed with lemon juice, and then simmered for some minutes. This syrup can be drizzled just before serving over a cheesecake, adding the right amount of color with a glossy and refreshing finish to each slice of the dessert. The syrup keeps the cheesecake moist while giving it a undeniably zesty twist. It's easily made ahead of time and is perfect for when you just want a topping that isn't overly heavy.

Lemon Whipped Cream

For light, fluffy topping, lemon whipped cream is an absolute favorite. The tartness of the lemon mixed with the sweetness of whipped cream creates a refreshing and airy contrast between the cheesecake's dense richness. To prepare this, spoon the fluffy whipped cream over your cheesecake just before serving, and watch your guests enjoy this velvety treat. It's an easy way to make your cheesecake feel more indulgent without weighing it down.

Lemon and Blueberry Compote

For the lovely, tangy topping that adds both color and flavor, a lemon-blueberry compote would be fantastic. The acidity from the lemon balances the sweetness of the blueberries; thus, it is a better perfect match for the cheesecake. To prepare the compote, cook fresh or frozen blueberries with sugar and lemon juice until the berries shrink down into thick sauce. Once cooled, spoon the compote over the cheesecake for a juicy, zesty topping that's both refreshing and satisfying.

Why Lemon Pairs Well with Cheesecake

Lemon and cheesecake make for a perfect match when it comes to desserts because of the balance they create. At times, cheesecake feels heavy due to its richness and creaminess, but the acidity of lemon is just great for that; it cuts right through that heaviness, giving a refreshing contrast. The inclusion of lemon flavor gives extra depth while enhancing the cheesy and tart flavors of the cheesecake. The sour taste from the lemon also balances the sweetness, thus gives you lighter bites. Be it zest, juice, or curd, lemon always does its magic on cheesecake.

Other toppings you can try

If lemons aren't your favorite, no problem; there are so many more choices that'll lift your cheesecake from ordinary to sublime. Fresh berries are always a showstopper, raspberry or strawberry. But for something more decadent, drizzle caramel sauce or chocolate ganache over the top. You can use crushed nuts atop it for a fun crunch or go tropical with mango or passion fruit compote. The options are is endless, so feel free to be creative!

How to Store It Right

To store your cheesecake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or cover the cheesecake with an airtight container so that it remains moist and does not dry out.