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
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Meringue Topping: Whip egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, continuing to beat until achieving stiff, glossy peaks with dramatic height.
- Final Assembly: Spread cooled lemon curd evenly across chilled cheesecake. Artfully pipe or spread meringue, creating elegant peaks and swirls.
- 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.
- 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