Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup (75g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 oz (450g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1.25 cups (300ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled

Instructions:

  1. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  2. Pour the crust mixture into a 9-inch springform pan and press firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides until the base is compact and level.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sifted powdered sugar on medium-high speed until smooth and pale.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure no lumps remain.
  5. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form.
  6. Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula to lighten the base.
  7. Carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream in two batches using a slow over-and-under motion to maintain volume.
  8. Pour the filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  9. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until firm.