Description
A dreamy fusion of tangy lemon curd, rich cheesecake, and fluffy toasted meringue, this Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert perfect for spring gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 6 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is just set. Let cool completely, then chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare lemon curd by whisking egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth. Let cool, then spread over chilled cheesecake.
- For the meringue, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Beat in vanilla extract.
- Spread meringue over the lemon curd layer. Toast with a kitchen torch or broil in the oven for 1–2 minutes until golden.
- Chill for 1 hour before serving for clean slices.
Notes
- Ensure cheesecake is fully cooled before adding lemon curd.
- Use a kitchen torch for more controlled meringue browning.
- Chill overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
