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Hot Toddy

This was one of the first cheesecake recipes created for the 2024 calendar. Inspired by lemons, lemons and more lemons! A favorite flavor of many friends.
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Course Dessert

Equipment

  • 1 10-inch Springform or Removable Bottom Pan

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

  • 1 Cup ground graham crackers
  • 1 Cup ground lemon cookies You can use 2 cups ground graham crackers if you don't have lemon cookies
  • 1 Tbsp lemon zest If only using ground graham crackers, use 2 Tbsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 Cup granulated sugar
  • 4 Tbsp melted unsalted butter

For the Batter:

  • 2 lbs softened cream cheese
  • 1 Cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Limoncello (if using) Otherwise, you can use 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon Curd
  • 2 tsp Bourbon (if using) If not wanting alcohol in the batter, substitue with 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp Agave
  • 4 Eggs-room temperature

For the Topping:

  • Fresh lemon slices and/or lemon zest

Instructions
 

Start:

  • Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees and spray or grease with butter, a 10-inch bottomless or springform pan.

To Make the Crust:

  • In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and/or lemon cookie crumbs with the melted unsalted butter, lemon zest and granulated sugar. With your clean hand, press the mixture onto the bottom of the pan, using the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.

To Make the Batter

  • In a large bowl using a hand mixer or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until whipped-about 3 minutes then add the sugar and mix until no lumps remain, about1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add the Limoncello (or lemon juice), lemon curd, bourbon (or vanilla extract), agave and mix for about 30 seconds, scrape down the bowl again. Add the eggs, one at a time, until mixed, then scrape down sides of bowl, making sure there are no lumps.
    Pour the batter into the prepared crust and bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes. Check the cake by gently shaking the pan to see if the center is still wobbly. It’s OKAY for the center to be a bit wobbly, as it will set as it cools on the counter and when refrigerated.
    Once chilled and just before serving, add the sliced lemons and lemon zest.

Notes

I have found lovely, thin lemon cookies at specialty shops as well as Trader Joe's and grocery stores.
You can easily purchase from Amazon, a 10-inch spring form pan or a 10-inch or 9-inch removable bottom cheesecake pan.
Limoncello and Bourbon are available in most grocery and liquor stores.
Lemon Curd can be made or purchased at most grocery and specialty stores.
Bonus Tip: When I use a stand mixer, I take a hand whisk and whisk the batter for about20-30 seconds to ensure the batter is smooth. I don’t find this necessary with a hand mixer.
Seasonal Adaptation: May 5th is National Lemonade Day, so leave out the Limoncello and Bourbon and go for all the lemon options and maybe open a lemonade stand, offering fresh lemonade and cheesecake!