Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake: A Citrus Delight!

Welcome to a world of sweet and tangy bliss! If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that captures the best of both worlds—the rich creaminess of cheesecake and the bright zest of lemon meringue—look no further than this Lemon Meringue Cheesecake! This dreamy dessert is not only a feast for the eyes but also an explosion of flavor with every bite. Imagine a velvety cheesecake base sitting on a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a luscious lemon curd and a fluffy meringue crown. It’s the perfect sweet treat for those sunny days or anytime you want to impress your family and friends!

Did you know that lemon meringue pie has been a classic dessert since the 19th century? Now, we’ve upgraded this timeless favorite into a cheesecake form, making it even more irresistible. This recipe is simple enough for cooks of all levels, requiring just a few household ingredients and around an hour of preparation time. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is bound to steal the show just like a traditional cheesecake would. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking!

What is Lemon Meringue Cheesecake?

When you hear the name Lemon Meringue Cheesecake, you might wonder, “Is it lemon meringue pie? Is it cheesecake? Is it both?” Well, yes, yes, and yes! This delightful fusion brings together the best aspects of each dessert into one incredible treat. Think of it as a creamy, dreamy cheesecake that has a zingy lemon curd top and is adorned with a fluffy meringue, probably making it one of the most elegant desserts you could whip up. They say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust me, serve this to anyone, and you’ll probably secure a special spot in their hearts! So why wait? Dive into this delicious recipe and savor every mouthwatering moment!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

There are so many reasons why this Lemon Meringue Cheesecake deserves a spot in your dessert repertoire! First and foremost, the standout feature of this dessert is its vibrant lemon flavor that dances on your palate. It’s a refreshing burst of citrus that’s balanced beautifully with the creamy richness of the cheesecake. Plus, by making it at home, you save a pretty penny compared to ordering at a café! Homemade desserts not only taste better but also let you add your personal touch.

The combination of the buttery graham cracker crust, the silky lemon curd, and the pillowy meringue creates a delightful ensemble that is fine dining at home. Compared to a traditional cheesecake, which can sometimes be too dense, this one has a lightness that invites second helpings! So why not gather your ingredients and try making this showstopper? You’ll feel like a gourmet chef in no time!

How to Make Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

Quick Overview

This Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is a simple yet sophisticated dessert that combines the best flavors of cheesecake and lemon pie. With a prep time of about 30 minutes and a couple of hours to chill, it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Get ready to impress!

Key Ingredients for Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

• For the Crust:
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup sugar
• For the Cheesecake Layer:
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• For the Lemon Curd:
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• For the Meringue:
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and then let it cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until everything is blended well. Pour the mixture into the cooled crust and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly wobbly. Let it cool before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
3. Prepare the Lemon Curd: In a saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until well combined. Stir in lemon juice and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth. Let it cool, then spread over the cooled cheesecake layer.
4. Make the Meringue: In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla extract and mix until glossy.
5. Assemble and Bake: Spread the meringue over the lemon curd, making sure to seal the edges. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown. Allow to cool before serving.

What to Serve Lemon Meringue Cheesecake With

This Lemon Meringue Cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a variety of complementing flavors! For drinks, try a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade to keep that citrus theme going. As for sides, consider serving it with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the tartness. For those craving more varieties, check out our rich chocolate mousse that will surprise you with its decadent flavor!

Top Tips for Perfecting Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

To ensure your Lemon Meringue Cheesecake turns out perfect:

• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality lemons for the best flavor.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your cream cheese sit out before mixing; it integrates smoother.
• Meringue Mastery: Make sure your mixing bowl is clean and dry. Any fat can inhibit the egg whites from whipping properly.

Avoid overbaking the meringue, as this can lead to a chewy texture rather than that perfect pillowy top!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the cheesecake before adding the meringue topping. Wrapped tightly, it can last for up to three months. To enjoy, just let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the fresh meringue and brown it under the broiler for a few minutes before serving.

Now you’re equipped with everything you need to create this stunning Lemon Meringue Cheesecake that will have everyone coming back for more! Happy baking!

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

A delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and zingy lemon meringue, this dessert delivers a sweet and tangy bliss with every bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Crust

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup sugar

For the Cheesecake Layer

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

For the Lemon Curd

• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Meringue

• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

 

Preparation of Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
4. Bake for 10 minutes and then let it cool.

Making the Cheesecake Layer

1. In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
3. Stir in vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until everything is blended well.
4. Pour the mixture into the cooled crust and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly wobbly.
5. Let it cool before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Preparing the Lemon Curd

1. In a saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until well combined.
2. Stir in lemon juice and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened (about 8-10 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth.
4. Let it cool, then spread over the cooled cheesecake layer.

Making the Meringue

1. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
2. Gradually add sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix until glossy.

Assembling and Baking

1. Spread the meringue over the lemon curd, making sure to seal the edges.
2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
3. Allow to cool before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the cheesecake before adding the meringue topping.