Zesty Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert Delight

Indulge in a lemon meringue cheesecake that enhances ordinary dessert expectations into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Sweet meets tart in this delectable creation that promises a symphony of contrasting textures and vibrant flavors.

Creamy cheesecake forms the luxurious foundation, while zesty lemon cuts through with bright, refreshing notes.

Each forkful delivers a sophisticated blend of smooth, silky filling and airy meringue that dances across your taste buds.

The delicate balance between richness and lightness makes this dessert a true showstopper at any celebration.

Intricate layers tell a story of culinary craftsmanship that elevates the humble cheesecake to an art form.

Tips for That Dreamy Lemon-Cream and Golden Topper

• Crush Crackers Carefully: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create uniform, fine graham cracker crumbs for a perfectly compact crust.
• Soften Cream Cheese Right: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free texture.
• Control Lemon Intensity: Adjust lemon zest and juice quantities to match your taste preference, balancing tartness with sweetness.
• Prevent Cracking Tricks: Avoid overmixing and sudden temperature changes by cooling cheesecake gradually with oven door slightly open.
• Meringue Magic Moment: Whip egg whites at room temperature and add sugar gradually for stable, glossy peaks that torch beautifully.

How to Keep Your Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Fresh

• Refrigerate the cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Always cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other refrigerator odors. Protect the delicate meringue topping by placing a layer of parchment paper gently over the top before sealing.
• Reheating Method: Let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid using a microwave, which can make the meringue soggy and destroy the cheesecake's delicate texture. For best results, enjoy the cheesecake chilled directly from the refrigerator, where its flavors remain most vibrant and creamy.

What to Serve with a Slice of Lemon Meringue Heaven

• Pair with Crisp Citrus Cocktail: Mix vodka, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of elderflower liqueur to complement the tangy cheesecake's bright citrus notes.
• Match with Lavender Earl Grey Tea: The floral and bergamot undertones beautifully balance the cake's zesty lemon and creamy texture, creating a sophisticated flavor harmony.
• Serve alongside Candied Lemon Spritzer: Create a light, refreshing drink with sparkling water, candied lemon peel, and a hint of mint to cleanse the palate between rich cheesecake bites.
• Complement with Champagne: Choose a dry, crisp champagne that cuts through the dessert's richness while echoing its lemony brightness, elevating the entire tasting experience.

Flavor Variations That Put a Spin on Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

• Zesty Berry Fusion: Replace lemon juice with mixed berry puree, adding fresh raspberries and blueberries to the cheesecake filling for a vibrant, fruity version that bursts with summer flavors.
• Tropical Coconut Dream: Swap graham cracker crust with toasted coconut crumbs, incorporate coconut extract into the cheesecake base, and top with passion fruit curd for an exotic Caribbean-inspired dessert.
• Lavender Honey Elegance: Infuse the cheesecake filling with dried lavender buds, replace some sugar with honey, and create a lavender-honey meringue topping that offers a delicate, aromatic experience.
• Chocolate Orange Indulgence: Mix cocoa powder into the crust, add orange zest to the cheesecake filling, and create a dark chocolate ganache to drizzle over the traditional meringue for a rich, decadent transformation.

What Makes Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Shine So Bright

• Burst of Citrusy Delight: Tangy lemon zest and juice create a vibrant, refreshing flavor that cuts through the rich, creamy cheesecake base, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and brightness.
• Texture Symphony: Enjoy a luxurious contrast between the smooth, velvety cheesecake filling, crisp graham cracker crust, silky lemon curd, and fluffy torched meringue topping that dances on your palate.
• Impressive Yet Approachable: This showstopping dessert looks like a professional bakery creation but comes together with straightforward steps that even intermediate home bakers can master, making it ideal for special occasions or weekend baking adventures.
• Make-Ahead Magic: The recipe allows for advanced preparation, with chilling time helping flavors meld and allowing stress-free entertaining, perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings where you want to wow your guests without last-minute kitchen chaos.

Ingredients That Bring the Tang and Cream Together

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base with sweet and crumbly texture that provides a solid foundation for the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
• Butter: Melted butter creates a rich, cohesive mixture that holds the crust in place.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich base that gives the cheesecake its classic creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and adds sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, citrusy flavor and helps cut through the richness of the cheesecake.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with natural citrus oils.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a silky smooth texture.
• Eggs: Helps bind the filling and provides structure to the cheesecake.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the lemon curd.
• Sugar: Sweetens the lemon curd and helps with caramelization.
• Eggs: Thickens the lemon curd and provides structure.
• Lemon Juice: Key ingredient for creating the tangy, bright lemon flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Enhances the lemon flavor with concentrated citrus oils.
• Egg Whites: Creates a light, fluffy meringue topping with beautiful golden brown peaks.

How to Build Layers in This Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool completely.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• Sugar
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Mix in sour cream. Add eggs one at a time, beating until fully incorporated. Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Step 3: Whip Up the Tangy Lemon Curd

• Butter
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Continuously stir for 7-10 minutes until the mixture thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Craft the Fluffy Meringue Topping

Vigorously beat egg whites until they become light and frothy. Continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Step 5: Toast the Meringue to Perfection

Use a kitchen torch or broiler to golden-brown the meringue. Watch carefully, toasting for 1-2 minutes until it reaches a beautiful caramelized color.

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon meringue cheesecake marries tangy citrus with creamy richness, creating a luxurious dessert that dances between sweet and tart. Rich graham cracker crust and silky filling crowned with torched meringue peaks promise pure indulgence you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 3 large egg whites
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup sour cream

Sweeteners and Sugars:

• 1 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake filling)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for crust)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for lemon curd)

Flavor Enhancers and Stabilizers:

• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for lemon curd)
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch (23-centimeter) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the pan’s base, creating an even crust.
2. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps. Gradually add granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing thoroughly. Incorporate sour cream until well blended. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to maintain a silky texture.
3. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly but set. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake rest for one hour to prevent cracking. Remove and cool completely at room temperature.
4. Prepare the lemon curd by whisking unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly for 7-10 minutes until the mixture thickens to a smooth, spreadable consistency. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. For the meringue, beat egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks develop.
6. Spread the cooled lemon curd evenly over the chilled cheesecake. Pipe or spread the meringue on top, creating decorative peaks and swirls.
7. Using a kitchen torch, carefully brown the meringue until golden and lightly caramelized. Alternatively, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
8. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.

Notes

• Craft a rock-solid graham cracker crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, pressing firmly into the pan for a deliciously crisp foundation.
• Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, infusing it with bright lemon zest and tangy juice to create a vibrant, velvety filling that sings with citrus notes.
• Master the lemon curd technique by whisking ingredients over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a glossy, thick spread bursting with zesty flavor.
• Achieve cloud-like meringue by beating egg whites to frothy peaks, creating a dreamy topping that adds luxurious texture and visual drama to the cheesecake.
• Transform the dessert’s final look with a quick torch or broiler session, caramelizing the meringue to a stunning golden-brown that’ll make mouths water.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 100mg