Description
Indulge in the perfect harmony of creamy cheesecake, tangy lemon curd, and fluffy meringue with this Best Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe. This stunning dessert is a showstopper for any occasion, balancing textures and flavors to create a memorable treat. Easy to make and impossible to resist, it’s a must-try for cheesecake lovers.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- Shortbread cookie crumbs: 2 cups
- Melted butter: ¼ cup
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese (softened): 3 (8-ounce) packages
- Sour cream: 1 cup
- White sugar: 1 cup
- Eggs: 4 large
- Fresh lemon juice: ¼ cup
- Lemon zest: Zest of 1 medium lemon
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
For the Meringue Topping:
- Egg whites: 4 large
- White sugar: ¼ cup
- Cream of tartar (optional): ¼ teaspoon
- Lemon curd: 1 ½ cups
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix the shortbread cookie crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer. Set aside.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour the filling over the prepared crust.
- Bake for about 1 hour, or until the center is slightly wobbly.
- Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours.
4. Prepare the Meringue Topping:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar and cream of tartar, continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
5. Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Spread the lemon curd evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
- Top with the meringue, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
6. Toast the Meringue:
- Bake for 10 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.
- Cool the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- For a smoother cheesecake, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Refrigerating overnight enhances the flavor and makes slicing easier.
- If you prefer a lighter crust, use graham cracker crumbs instead of shortbread.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American