Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother mixture.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s creamy and smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until the sugar is fully incorporated.
Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, eggs, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Blend on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can incorporate too much air.
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without bursting them.
Carefully pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with an offset spatula.
Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. The edges should be set, while the center will still have a slight jiggle.
Once baked, turn off the oven, crack the oven door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for about an hour. This gradual cooling helps minimize cracks on the surface.
In the meantime, prepare the blueberry topping. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining blueberries with the granulated sugar. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the blueberries soften and start to release their juices. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Once cooled, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Before serving, evenly spread the cooled blueberry topping over the surface of the cheesecake.
For an extra touch, garnish the cheesecake with additional fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving.
Notes
For cleaner edges, cut slices with a warm knife. Drizzle lemon curd around the plate for a vibrant touch.