Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Equipment Needed
– 9-inch springform pan
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer
– Rubber spatula
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Baking sheet
– Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, I preheat my oven to 325°F (160°C). I start by making the graham cracker crust. In a medium bowl, I combine the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs until the mixture resembles wet sand. Next, I gently press this mixture into the bottom of my springform pan, making sure it’s tightly packed and even. The scent of buttery graham cracker fills my kitchen, and it’s tough not to nibble on a few crumbs! After that, I pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes until it’s lightly golden. This gives it a sturdy base for the creamy filling. (See the next page below to continue steps…)