Lemon Meringue Cheesecake
+13 photos

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

16 servings
This lemon meringue cheesecake is a delightful mashup of a tangy lemon meringue pie and a rich and creamy cheesecake that's sure to impress your guests!

Ingredients

  • shortbread cookie crumbs
    2 c
  • melted butter
    ¼ c
  • packages cream cheese

    softened

    3
  • sour cream
    1 c
  • white sugar
    1 c
  • eggs
    4 large
  • fresh lemon juice
    ¼ c
  • lemon

    zested

    1 medium
  • vanilla extract
    1 tsp
  • egg whites
    4 large
  • white sugar
    ¼ c
  • cream of tartar
    ¼ tsp
  • lemon curd
    1 ½ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

    Step 1
  2. 2

    To make the crust: Mix cookie crumbs and melted butter together in a bowl until evenly combined.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    To make the filling: Beat cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar together in a bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl as needed.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Spread mixture over crust in the springform pan.

    Step 6
  7. 7

    Bake in the preheated oven until edges are puffed and surface of cheesecake is firm except for a small spot in the center that will jiggle when the pan is gently shaken, about 1 hour.

    Step 7
  8. 8

    Let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour, then refrigerate until completely cooled, at least 3 to 4 hours.

    Step 8
  9. 9

    To make the meringue topping: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Beat egg whites in a bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.

    Step 9
  10. 10

    Beat in sugar and cream of tartar until mixture is glossy and stiff peaks form.

    Step 10
  11. 11

    Spread lemon curd over chilled cheesecake.

    Step 11
  12. 12

    Mound whipped egg whites over top and spread until curd is completely covered.

    Step 12
  13. 13

    Bake in the preheated oven until meringue is golden brown, about 10 minutes.

    Step 13
  14. 14

    Remove from the oven and chill, uncovered, in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 1 day before serving. It's best not to cover the meringue or it may collapse.

    Step 14
Lemon Meringue Cheesecake
+13

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

330 min16 servings483 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a showstopping dessert that perfectly balances bright, zesty flavors with rich, indulgent creaminess? This Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is the ultimate treat for any special occasion that's sure to impress your guests.

This recipe brilliantly marries the best elements of two classic desserts: the delightful tang of lemon meringue pie and the smooth, decadent texture of a classic cheesecake. The result is a truly impressive confection that offers complex layers of flavor and a luxurious mouthfeel, setting it apart from ordinary desserts.

Prepare for a dessert that delivers on every front. You'll experience the vibrant, zesty punch of fresh lemon, beautifully mellowed by a velvety smooth cream cheese filling. Each slice offers a textural symphony, from the crisp shortbread cookie crumb crust to the rich, tangy cheesecake, crowned with a delicate, airy meringue. It's a dessert designed to be savored, perfect for impressing guests with its elegant appearance and incredible taste. The inclusion of lemon curd adds an extra burst of sunny flavor that elevates every bite.

While this Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is perfect as is, you could subtly alter the flavor by adjusting the amount of fresh lemon juice or lemon zest to dial up or down the citrus intensity to your preference, always ensuring it balances with the creamy components. You could also explore different types of cookie crumbs for the crust, though shortbread provides a classic buttery foundation.

This impressive dessert is ideal for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or any special occasion where you want to serve something truly memorable. Serve it chilled to best appreciate its complex layers and textures.

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