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Yuzu Cheesecake Recipe

Yuzu Cheesecake Recipe 2026

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A yuzu cheesecake recipe delivers the perfect fusion of creamy richness and bright citrus flavor that makes this Japanese-inspired dessert an absolute showstopper. This yuzu cheesecake recipe combines a buttery graham cracker crust with silky cream cheese filling infused with fresh yuzu juice and zest, creating layers of sophisticated flavor.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups Graham cracker crumbs (Use standard honey graham crackers; measured after crushing. Ensure no lumps remain for even crust.)
  • 8 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted (Clarified butter works equally well. Keep at room temperature before melting.)
  • 3 tablespoons Granulated sugar (for crust) (White or caster sugar provides best results for binding. Measure carefully.)
  • 32 ounces Cream cheese, softened (Use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature. Philadelphia brand recommended for consistency.)
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar (for filling) (Superfine sugar dissolves more easily; standard granulated works with extra mixing time.)
  • 4 whole Large eggs (Room temperature eggs mix more smoothly. Never use cold eggs directly from refrigerator.)
  • ½ cup Fresh yuzu juice (Bottled yuzu juice (unsweetened) can substitute if fresh unavailable. Avoid sweetened versions.)
  • 2 tablespoons Yuzu zest (Use microplane grater for finest zest. Fresh yuzu zest provides maximum flavor intensity.)
  • ½ cup Sour cream (Full-fat sour cream recommended; Greek yogurt is acceptable substitute for lighter version.)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (Pure vanilla extract essential; imitation extract alters final flavor profile.)
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt (Kosher salt enhances yuzu brightness; sea salt also acceptable.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and position the rack in the lower third of the oven.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and three tablespoons granulated sugar in a medium bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer approximately ¼-inch thick.
  4. Bake the crust for eight minutes until lightly golden, then remove and cool slightly while preparing the filling.
  5. Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl for approximately three minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed until completely smooth.
  6. Gradually add one cup granulated sugar to the cream cheese while continuing to beat for two minutes until well combined.
  7. Add eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, beating on low speed for thirty seconds after each addition to incorporate fully.
  8. Stir in fresh yuzu juice, yuzu zest, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt using a rubber spatula, folding gently until the filling for your yuzu cheesecake recipe appears uniform.
  9. Pour the yuzu cheesecake recipe filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
  10. Wrap the outside of the springform pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping into the yuzu cheesecake recipe during baking.
  11. Place the wrapped pan into a larger roasting pan and pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
  12. Bake the yuzu cheesecake recipe for fifty to fifty-five minutes until the edges set but the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
  13. Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open approximately two inches, allowing the yuzu cheesecake recipe to cool gradually inside for one hour.
  14. Remove the yuzu cheesecake recipe from the oven and cool to room temperature on the counter for thirty minutes.
  15. Refrigerate the finished yuzu cheesecake recipe for at least three hours or preferably overnight before serving.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are absolutely essential for this yuzu cheesecake recipe. Remove cream cheese from the refrigerator at least two hours before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free filling. Cold cream cheese causes lumps that never fully incorporate, affecting the texture of your finished yuzu cheesecake recipe. Use a water bath without exception when baking this yuzu cheesecake recipe.

  • Author: Sabella
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Japanese
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 285mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg