Bookbinder's Fabulous Cheesecake

A friend gave me this delicious lemon-flavored cheesecake recipe. Simple to make, and a favorite ending for a special meal.

• Calories: 413 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 eggs
• 2 tablespoons water
• ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
• ⅔ cup apricot preserves
• 2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs
• 4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 4 cups fresh strawberries

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Sprinkle the bottom of a lightly greased 9 inch springform pan with the graham cracker crumbs.

Step 2

Combine the cream cheese and sugar. Mix at medium speed until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the lemon juice, vanilla extract ,and lemon rind. Pour batter into the pan.

Step 3

Bake in a preheated 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 50 minutes. Loosen cake from rim of pan; cool before removing rim of pan.

Step 4

Combine apricot preserves and water in a small saucepan. Heat thoroughly, stirring occasionally. Arrange strawberries on top of the cheesecake. Spoon preserves mixture over strawberries. Chill.