I absolutely LOVE this cheesecake! It works well with other flavors too. Lime, vanilla... I tried Strawberry once. I HIGHLY recommend this! Even if you mess with the flavor of the cheesecake, don't mess with the second layer. Enjoy!!!
Crust
2 1/4 c graham cracker crumbs
6 Tbsp butter, melted
1/4 c brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Filling layer 1
3 (8 ounce) pks cream cheese, softened
3 eggs
3/4 c sugar
3 Tbsp lemon juice, strained
2 Tbsp flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon zest, finely grated
Filling layer 2
1 pint sour cream
3 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp Vanilla
Glaze
1/2 c sugar
4 tsp cornstarch
1/2 c water
2 Tbsp lemon juice
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Using your hands or a fork, mix all crust ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
Press into bottom of an 11 to 12-inch spring form pan. You can use a smaller pan but the actual cheesecake will need to bake longer.
Bake crust for 5 minutes.
Let cool; refrigerate until needed.
For first layer, using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese at high speed until completely smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, beating until smooth after each addition.
Beat at medium speed as you gradually add the sugar, then flour, lemon juice and vanilla, mixing until well blended.
Stir in lemon zest.
Pour into crust; bake for 35 minutes.
For second layer, blend sour cream, vanilla, and sugar; set mixture in warm place.
Remove cake from oven, and gently spread sour cream mixture on top.
Return to oven and bake for another 12 minutes.
Cool on rack for 30 minutes.
Refrigerate until topping is cool, but not completely chilled.
NOTE: I do not use the glaze, but you can. The first time I made it with the glaze and ended up pealing it off. Some like it, some don't. :)
Combine all glaze ingredients and blend until smooth.
Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened.
Chill until cool, but not set.
Spread on top of cheesecake.
Chill overnight. The longer you let it chill, the better it is!!!