Deluxe Cheesecake

1. Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, a dash of sugar, and a teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest. Work in the chilled, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add a beaten egg yolk and a splash of vanilla, blending until the dough comes together. Press the dough into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 6 minutes or until golden. Let it cool.

2. Make the Filling

Beat the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth, then stir in a quarter teaspoon of vanilla and a teaspoon of lemon zest. In another bowl, mix 1 and 3/4 cups of granulated sugar with 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually blend the sugar mixture into the cream cheese. Beat in 5 whole eggs and 2 additional yolks, one at a time, followed by a pour of heavy cream. Pour the filling over the crust, smoothing the top.

3. Bake the Cheesecake

Bake the filled crust at 475 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, then without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 200 degrees and continue baking for about an hour. Turn off the oven and prop the door slightly ajar, letting the cheesecake cool in the residual warmth for another 30 minutes. Finally, allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least 3 hours.