Description
French cheesecake is a light, creamy dessert that’s subtly sweet and tangy, thanks to ingredients like fromage blanc and lemon zest. This elegant treat is perfect for any occasion and easy to make at home with just a few simple steps.
Ingredients
Scale
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For the Filling:
- 2 cups fromage blanc (or cream cheese as a substitute)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of one lemon
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For the Crust (Optional):
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
Instructions
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Prepare the Crust (Optional):
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix the flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly. Press the mixture into the base of a greased springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside.
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Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk fromage blanc and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
- Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
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Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust (or directly into the pan if skipping the crust).
- Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the center is slightly jiggly and the edges are set.
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Cool and Chill:
- Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set completely.
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Serve:
- Garnish with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, or powdered sugar. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- If you can’t find fromage blanc, blend cream cheese and a little sour cream to achieve a similar texture and tanginess.
- A water bath can help prevent cracks on the surface of your cheesecake. Simply place the pan inside a larger pan filled with hot water before baking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French