Zesty Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe: Sweet Citrus Delight

Silky smooth cheesecake meets zesty lemon meringue in a decadent dessert that dances on your palate.

This showstopping lemon meringue cheesecake recipe brings together creamy richness and bright citrus notes.

The classic combination of tangy lemon curd and velvety cream cheese creates a luxurious treat that steals the spotlight at any gathering.

Each forkful promises a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Crisp graham cracker crust provides the perfect foundation for this elegant dessert.

The billowy meringue topping adds a dramatic finish that will leave everyone wanting more.

Let’s find out this irresistible culinary masterpiece that’s sure to become your new favorite indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Calories: 405 kcal

Servings: 13

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Ingredient Breakdown

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, crumbly base with rich, buttery flavor that creates a perfect foundation for the cheesecake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
• Unsalted Butter: Melts and helps compress crumbs, creating a sturdy and deliciously rich crust that holds its shape.

• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, velvety texture and delivers classic tangy cheesecake flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances cream cheese's tanginess and provides perfect sweetness.
• Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess and helps create a silky, light filling.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the filling together.
• Lemon Zest: Introduces bright, citrusy aroma and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings zesty, vibrant citrus note to complement the creamy cheesecake.

• Large Eggs (for Lemon Curd): Creates rich, smooth custard base with luxurious texture.
• Unsalted Butter (for Lemon Curd): Adds richness and helps thicken the curd.
• Granulated Sugar (for Lemon Curd): Sweetens and helps stabilize the lemon curd.
• Lemon Zest (for Lemon Curd): Intensifies citrus flavor and adds aromatic depth.

Tools for Crafting Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

• Springform Pan: 9-inch essential pan for creating perfectly shaped cheesecake with removable sides.
• Mixing Bowls: Multiple sizes needed for combining crust, filling, and meringue ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: Crucial for smoothing cream cheese and beating egg whites to perfect consistency.
• Saucepan: Medium-sized pan for preparing smooth, creamy lemon curd.
• Whisk: Perfect tool for stirring lemon curd and ensuring no lumps form.
• Parchment Paper: Helps line pan base for easy cheesecake removal.
• Kitchen Torch or Broiler: Provides golden-brown finish for meringue topping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Zester or Grater: Helps extract fresh lemon zest for vibrant flavor.

How to Bake a Tangy Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

• Crust Foundation

Craft a buttery base using graham cracker crumbs blended with sweet crystals and melted golden butter. Press this mixture firmly into a springform pan, creating a solid platform for your decadent dessert. Bake briefly to lock in that delightful crumbly texture.

• Creamy Cheesecake Canvas

Whip cream cheese into silky smoothness, introducing bright lemon essence and subtle sweetness. Fold in eggs with gentle precision, ensuring a velvety landscape that will transform into a luxurious centerpiece. Bake until the filling sets with a gentle wobble, signaling its perfection.

• Tangy Lemon Curd

Create a sunshine-colored sauce by gently heating eggs, butter, and zesty lemon juice. Stir consistently until the mixture transforms into a glossy, thick nectar that promises vibrant flavor in every spoonful.

• Cloud-Like Meringue

Transform egg whites into a billowing white landscape, whisking until they reach peak fluffiness. Crown your cheesecake with this ethereal topping, ready to be kissed by golden warmth.

• Final Flourish

Torch the meringue to achieve a caramelized golden finish, creating a stunning visual masterpiece that crackles and melts with each delicate bite.

Tips for Smooth Meringue and Rich Cheesecake

• Always use fresh lemons for maximum flavor punch. Roll the lemon on the counter before zesting to release more essential oils and increase juice extraction.
• If graham crackers aren't available, swap with digestive biscuits or vanilla cookie crumbs for a similar crunchy texture that complements the creamy cheesecake.
• Room temperature ingredients are crucial. Leave cream cheese and eggs out for 30 minutes before mixing to prevent lumpy texture and ensure silky-smooth consistency.
• This dessert can be prepared up to three days in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and add meringue topping just before serving to maintain its crisp, cloud-like texture.
• If your lemon curd seems too runny, return it to the saucepan and cook for an extra minute while stirring constantly. For a firmer set, add an extra egg yolk during preparation.

Serving Lemon Cheesecake with a Twist

• Zesty Brunch Centerpiece: Impress guests by placing this cheesecake as the star of your weekend brunch spread, surrounded by fresh berries and mint leaves for a stunning presentation.
• Elegant Afternoon Tea Companion: Slice delicate wedges to serve alongside hot tea or coffee, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that elevates your tea time gathering.
• Picnic Perfect Dessert: Pack individual slices in portable containers for outdoor gatherings, adding a refreshing lemony twist to your picnic menu that delights everyone with its creamy texture and bright flavor.
• Dessert Wine Pairing Delight: Match this cheesecake with a chilled glass of Moscato or sweet Riesling, allowing the citrusy notes to complement the wine's fruity undertones for a truly memorable dessert experience.

Storing Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep your lemon meringue cheesecake sealed tightly in an airtight container within the refrigerator, ensuring maximum freshness for up to 4 days.
• Freezing Finesse: Wrap individual slices or entire cake carefully in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze smoothly for 2-3 weeks, allowing delightful dessert enjoyment later.
• Defrost Delicacy: Transfer frozen cheesecake to refrigerator overnight, letting it slowly thaw without compromising texture or flavor intensity.
• Serving Suggestion: Remove cheesecake from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving, allowing it to reach perfect room temperature and enhancing its creamy, tangy characteristics.

Velvety Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rich and creamy lemon meringue cheesecake combines tangy citrus with silky cream cheese and a golden torched meringue topping. Dessert enthusiasts will savor each luxurious bite of this classic American sweet treat.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake filling)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for crust)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for lemon curd)
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tbsps unsalted butter
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (for lemon curd)
• ¼ tsp cream of tartar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Blend graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into a parchment-lined springform pan. Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
2. Cheesecake Filling: Whip cream cheese until silky smooth. Gradually incorporate sugar, lemon juice, zest, and sour cream. Gently fold in eggs one at a time, maintaining a velvety consistency. Pour over cooled crust and bake 50-60 minutes until center is slightly wobbly.
3. Cooling Process: After baking, turn off oven and leave door slightly ajar. Allow cheesecake to rest for one hour to prevent surface cracking. Remove and cool to room temperature.
4. Lemon Curd Creation: Whisk butter, sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and zest in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously for 7-10 minutes until mixture thickens to a luxurious, smooth consistency. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Meringue Topping: Whip egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, continuing to beat until achieving stiff, glossy peaks with dramatic height.
6. Final Assembly: Spread cooled lemon curd evenly across chilled cheesecake. Artfully pipe or spread meringue, creating elegant peaks and swirls.
7. Caramelization: Use a kitchen torch to golden-brown the meringue, developing a delicate caramelized exterior. Alternatively, broil carefully for 1-2 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
8. Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight, allowing flavors to harmonize and texture to set perfectly before serving.

Notes

• Prevent Cracking Technique: Allow cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked open to minimize surface cracks and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
• Temperature Control: Use room temperature ingredients to create a silky, lump-free cheesecake filling and promote even mixing.
• Meringue Mastery: Ensure bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry when whipping egg whites to achieve maximum volume and stiff peaks.
• Torch or Broil Caution: Watch meringue closely when browning to prevent burning, aiming for a light golden color that adds beautiful caramelized flavor and visual appeal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 114 mg