Lemon Cheesecake Tart: The Winning Dessert for Football & WWE Nights!

🍋 Introduction

It’s that time of year again—when football fanatics and WWE enthusiasts unite over the thrill of touchdowns and body slams. But let’s face it, the real champions of these gatherings aren’t just the athletes; it’s the snacks! Enter the Lemon Cheesecake Tart, a dessert so good it might just steal the show. Whether you’re planning to serve these tarts during halftime or as a post-match treat, this recipe will have your friends cheering for an encore.

📋 Key Takeaways

• This tart is easy to make but tastes like a million bucks!
• Perfectly zesty and sweet, making it a refreshing counterpoint to all those savory snacks.
• Great for game days—whether you're a fan of Hail Marys or high-flying elbows.

Photo bySam Miller

🍰 Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

For the Filling:

• 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream

For the Lemon Topping:

• ½ cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

🥄 Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and set your game face to "bake."
2. Make the Crust:
3. • In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and lemon zest until they form a well-behaved dough.
   • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a tart pan—think of it as laying down the foundation for greatness.
   • Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Let it cool, just like you, before moving on to the next round.
4. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
5. • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and ready to rumble.
   • Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You're building momentum!
   • Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until you have a silky filling.
   • Pour the filling over the cooled crust, making sure it’s evenly spread.
6. Bake the Cheesecake:
7. • Pop that tart in the oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. It should jiggle a bit, like a belly laugh, when it’s done.
   • Let the tart cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Patience, my friend—it’s worth it.
8. Make the Lemon Topping:
9. • In a saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and lemon zest.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a champion’s consistency.
   • Let the topping cool before spreading it over the chilled cheesecake. This is your tart’s finishing move!
10. Serve:
11. • Slice, serve, and enjoy the sweet victory. You’ve just won the dessert championship!

Photo bySam Miller

🥗 Side Dish Ideas

• Buffalo Wings: The spicy kick complements the tart’s zesty sweetness.
• Guacamole & Chips: Because every good match needs a tag-team partner.
• Nachos: A fan favorite for when the game gets intense.

🍏 Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~350
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 22g

(These numbers are as approximate as that last-minute touchdown call.)

⏱️ Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes

🎉 Conclusion

So, whether you're gearing up for the big game or settling in for a night of WWE action, this Lemon Cheesecake Tart is the perfect treat to sweeten the deal. It’s light, tangy, and just indulgent enough to keep you coming back for more—just like your favorite sports. Serve it up, and watch as your friends declare you the true champion of the night. Now, go on and let that tart do the talking!