Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe

by

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction

If you love cheesecake, lemon meringue pie, and the elegance of French patisserie, this dessert is your dream come true. Lemon Meringue Cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky cheesecake base, a glossy lemon curd layer, and a cloud of golden meringue. It’s a dessert that balances richness with citrus brightness, making it both indulgent and refreshing.

Ingredients (Serves 10–12)

For the Crust

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For the Lemon Curd Topping

  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Meringue

  • 4 large egg whites, room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for stability)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
  3. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.

Step 2: Prepare Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add sugar and mix until fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed.
  4. Stir in sour cream, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  5. Pour filling over crust.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

  1. Place springform pan inside a larger roasting pan and fill with hot water halfway up the sides (water bath method prevents cracks).
  2. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50–60 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly.
  3. Turn off oven, crack door open, and let cheesecake rest inside for 1 hour.
  4. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Curd

  1. In a saucepan, whisk lemon juice, zest, sugar, and egg yolks over medium-low heat.
  2. Stir constantly until mixture thickens (about 7–10 minutes).
  3. Remove from heat, stir in butter, and cool slightly.
  4. Spread evenly over chilled cheesecake.

Step 5: Make the Meringue

  1. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy.
  2. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff glossy peaks form.
  3. Beat in vanilla.

Step 6: Assemble & Toast

  1. Spread meringue over the lemon curd layer.
  2. Use a kitchen torch (or broil on low for 1–2 minutes) to toast until golden.
  3. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing.

Methods

  • Water bath → prevents cracks in cheesecake.
  • Fresh lemon juice → gives a bright, natural citrus flavor.
  • Toasting the meringue → adds a caramelized note and makes the dessert visually stunning.

History

  • Cheesecake dates back to ancient Greece but became an American favorite with New York-style cheesecake.
  • Lemon curd & meringue pie were Victorian-era inventions, beloved for their balance of tangy and sweet.
  • This recipe is a fusion dessert, marrying creamy cheesecake with lemon pie’s airy meringue crown — first popularized in modern patisserie shops.

Benefits

  • Refreshing yet indulgent – balances richness with citrus tang.
  • Showstopper dessert – visually stunning with its golden meringue top.
  • Versatile – can be made as mini cheesecakes or parfaits.
  • Make-ahead friendly – cheesecake and curd can be prepared a day before.

Formation (Serving Ideas)

  • Garnish with lemon slices or candied peel.
  • Serve with a drizzle of raspberry coulis for contrast.
  • Plate individually with meringue “peaks” piped decoratively.
  • Pair with sparkling wine or Earl Grey tea.

Conclusion

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is elegance on a plate — combining creamy, zesty, and airy textures into one unforgettable dessert. It’s a masterpiece for special occasions, yet approachable enough for passionate home bakers.

Lovers of This Recipe

  • Citrus lovers who crave tart-sweet flavors.
  • Cheesecake enthusiasts seeking a refreshing twist.
  • Entertainers & hosts who want a stunning centerpiece.
  • Foodies who appreciate fusion of classics.

Final Thought

This cheesecake is proof that opposites attract: light meets rich, tangy meets sweet, creamy meets fluffy. It’s more than a dessert — it’s an experience.

Leave a Comment