Ginger Lemon Cheesecake Recipe

Learn how to make this homemade Ginger Lemon Cheesecake with the perfect balance of spice and tang. This easy baking recipe features a buttery gingersnap crust, ultra-creamy filling, and the best technique for a crack-free cheesecake every time. The water bath method ensures foolproof results.

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

1 hour 15 mins

Serves:

1 cheesecake (12 slices)

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the crust:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g gingersnap biscuits (or digestive biscuits plus 1 tsp ground ginger)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80g unsalted butter, melted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">25g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the filling:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">750g full-fat cream cheese, room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 large eggs, room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200ml sour cream, room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp fresh lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp plain flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the topping (optional):</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200ml sour cream</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp lemon zest</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g crystallized ginger, finely chopped</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm (9-inch) springform pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer or electric hand mixer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Roasting pan for water bath</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Heavy-duty aluminum foil</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Food processor</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F) and position a rack in the lower third of the oven. Wrap the outside of your springform pan with two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil, making sure it comes at least halfway up the sides to prevent any water from seeping in during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>For the crust, pulse the gingersnap biscuits in a food processor until finely ground. Add melted butter, sugar, and salt, then pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of your prepared springform pan, using the bottom of a glass to compact it evenly. Bake for 10 minutes until set and fragrant, then cool completely on a wire rack.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Reduce oven temperature to 150°C (300°F). In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium-low speed until completely smooth with no lumps, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl thoroughly – this is crucial for a smooth cheesecake.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Gradually add sugar to the cream cheese and beat on medium speed until fully incorporated and the mixture looks silky, about 2 minutes. The gradual addition prevents the sugar crystals from creating air bubbles that could cause cracks during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until each is incorporated. Over-beating at this stage can incorporate too much air, potentially causing the cheesecake to puff up then collapse. Add sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, grated ginger, and vanilla, mixing on low until just combined. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and blend on low until incorporated, about 30 seconds.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. Place the foil-wrapped springform pan in a large roasting dish. Fill the roasting dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This water bath creates a gentle, humid environment that prevents the cheesecake from cracking and ensures even baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Bake for 60-75 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble when gently shaken – it should jiggle like firm jelly. Do not check the cake too often as opening the oven door causes temperature fluctuations. The cheesecake will continue to set as it cools.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Turn off the oven, open the door slightly, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven for 1 hour. This slow cooling further prevents cracks from forming due to sudden temperature changes. Remove from the water bath, peel away the foil, and cool completely on a wire rack for another hour.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>For the optional topping, mix sour cream, sugar, and lemon zest in a bowl. Spread over the cooled cheesecake and sprinkle with crystallized ginger. Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight. The extended chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the perfect texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>To serve, run a thin knife around the edge of the pan before releasing the springform clasp. For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts. Your Ginger Lemon Cheesecake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covered in plastic wrap once completely chilled.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Ginger Lemon Cheesecake?

This cheesecake uses gingersnap biscuits, butter and sugar for the crust, with cream cheese, eggs, sour cream, fresh lemon zest and juice, grated fresh ginger, vanilla and flour for the filling. Optional toppings include sour cream, sugar, lemon zest and crystallised ginger.

How to cook Ginger Lemon Cheesecake at home?

Learn how to cook Ginger Lemon Cheesecake by creating a gingersnap crust, preparing a silky cream cheese filling with fresh ginger and lemon, then baking in a water bath at 150°C. The water bath method ensures even cooking and prevents cracks, while gradual cooling and proper chilling (6+ hours) delivers professional results every time.

Why is a water bath necessary when baking cheesecake?

A water bath creates a gentle, humid environment that ensures even baking and prevents the cheesecake from cracking. The steam from the hot water regulates the oven temperature, keeping it consistent and preventing the cheesecake from drying out or overbaking at the edges.

Can I make this spiced citrus cheesecake without a springform pan?

While a springform pan is ideal for easy removal, you can use a regular cake tin lined with parchment paper with long overhanging sides as "handles." Allow the cheesecake to fully chill, then carefully lift it out using the parchment. The texture may be slightly affected.

How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking during baking?

To prevent cracks: ensure ingredients are at room temperature, avoid overmixing, use a water bath, don't overbake (centre should still wobble slightly), cool gradually in a turned-off oven with door ajar, and never refrigerate while warm. These steps prevent sudden temperature changes.

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