Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction

I recently made this Lemon Meringue Cheesecake for a family gathering, and it was an instant hit! The combination of creamy cheesecake, tangy lemon curd, and fluffy meringue topping created a perfect balance of flavors that had everyone coming back for more. The lemon curd added a refreshing citrus punch that paired perfectly with the rich, velvety cheesecake filling, and the meringue provided a light, airy texture that made each bite feel like a little bit of heaven. My family was especially impressed by how beautiful it looked, with the golden-brown toasted meringue on top. This dessert took a bit of time to make, but the effort was definitely worth it, and it made a stunning centerpiece for the table. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both impressive and delicious, this Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is the way to go!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake combines the best of both worlds—rich, creamy cheesecake with the bright, tangy flavors of lemon meringue pie. The buttery graham cracker crust provides a perfect base for the tangy lemon curd and smooth cheesecake filling, and the meringue topping adds a light, fluffy texture that’s just the right amount of sweetness. This dessert is perfect for those who love citrus-flavored treats and want something that’s both indulgent and refreshing. It’s also a showstopper dessert that will impress guests at any gathering or special occasion. Plus, the process of making it—layer by layer—is an enjoyable, rewarding experience. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, birthday, or simply because you want a delicious dessert, this Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 packs (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

For the Lemon Curd:

• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

For the Meringue:

• 4 large egg whites
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
   In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well combined.
   Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer.
   Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
   In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully combined.
   Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
   Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
   Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 30 minutes.
   Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
3. Prepare the Lemon Curd:
   In a saucepan, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and egg yolks.
   Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
   Remove from heat and stir in the butter until smooth.
   Let the curd cool completely before spreading it over the chilled cheesecake.
4. Make the Meringue:
   In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
   Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
   Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Assemble and Toast:
   Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, spread the lemon curd over the cheesecake in an even layer.
   Spoon or pipe the meringue over the lemon curd, covering it completely.
   Use a kitchen torch to toast the meringue until golden brown, or place it under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
6. Chill and Serve:
   Allow the cheesecake to cool and set for about 30 minutes after toasting the meringue.
   Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12
• Calories per serving: 400
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 105mg

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on ingredient brands used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
• Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)

How to Serve

• For Special Occasions: This Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is perfect for celebrations, such as birthdays, holidays, or dinner parties.
• As a Refreshing Dessert: Serve it as a light dessert after a heavy meal—it’s refreshing and not overly rich.
• With Tea or Coffee: Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee to enjoy as a delightful afternoon treat.
• As a Showstopper Dessert: This cheesecake is a visually stunning dessert that will wow your guests with both its beauty and flavor.

Additional Tips

1. Make Sure the Cheesecake Cools Completely: After baking, allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar. This prevents cracking by letting it cool gradually.
2. Lemon Curd Tip: Make sure the lemon curd has fully cooled before spreading it on the cheesecake to prevent it from melting the meringue.
3. Use a Torch for Meringue: A kitchen torch is ideal for toasting meringue evenly. However, if you don’t have one, you can use the broiler, but keep a close watch to avoid burning.
4. Avoid Overbaking: Overbaking the cheesecake can result in a dry texture. It should be just slightly jiggly in the center when done.
5. Refrigerate Overnight: For the best results, chill the cheesecake overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
   Yes, this cheesecake can be made the day before. In fact, chilling it overnight helps the flavors come together and ensures it sets properly.
2. Can I use a different crust?
   Yes, you can use a traditional graham cracker crust, an Oreo crust, or even a gluten-free crust as a base.
3. Can I skip the meringue?
   While the meringue adds a beautiful texture and flavor to the cheesecake, you can omit it if you prefer a simpler dessert. Just serve the cheesecake with the lemon curd on top.
4. How do I store leftovers?
   Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5. Can I freeze this cheesecake?
   Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake without the meringue. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
6. Can I use bottled lemon juice for the curd?
   Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice if fresh lemons aren’t available.
7. How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
   Make sure the cheesecake is not overbaked, and allow it to cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar before refrigerating.
8. Can I use a different citrus for the curd?
   Yes, you can substitute lime or orange juice for a different citrus twist on the curd.
9. What can I do if I don’t have a springform pan?
   You can use a regular 9-inch round pan, but you will need to carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan after chilling.
10. How do I know when the meringue is ready?
    The meringue is ready when stiff, glossy peaks form, and the sugar has fully dissolved.

Conclusion

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is a showstopper dessert that brings together the richness of cheesecake, the bright flavor of lemon, and the light texture of meringue. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this dessert will impress anyone who tastes it. With its creamy, tangy filling, buttery crust, and golden meringue, this cheesecake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it for your next gathering and watch as it becomes the star of the dessert table!

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