Decadent Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe

Indulge in the delectable layers of tangy lemon curd, velvety cheesecake, and airy meringue with this exquisite recipe for Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Bliss. This showstopping dessert is like a burst of citrus sunshine in every bite, perfect for birthdays, spring gatherings, or whenever you need a joyful treat.

The creamy lemon cheesecake nestled on a classic graham cracker base, topped with a cloud of torched meringue, is a true crowd-pleaser. The zesty sparkle of lemon curd adds a delightful twist that will have your guests coming back for seconds and thirds. It’s no wonder that this dessert has become a tradition in my home, gracing the table for every major occasion.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Bliss will sure to impress. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can master this nostalgic yet modern dessert that brings together the best of both worlds. So roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to create a little slice of sunshine for your next celebration.

Quick Benefits

• Delightful Combination: Combines the comforting richness of cheesecake with the zesty freshness of lemon meringue pie in one irresistible dessert.
• Versatile Substitutions: Offers options for ingredient swaps like using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or bottled lemon juice in place of fresh, making it adaptable to pantry staples.
• Make-ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to a month before adding the lemon curd and meringue for easy entertaining.
• Impressive Presentation: Garnish with lemon curls, edible flowers, or berries for a colorful, celebratory touch that elevates the dessert’s look and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe Recipe

• Irresistible Combination: This dessert combines the creamy comfort of cheesecake with the zesty tang of lemon meringue pie, offering the best of both worlds in one delicious treat.
• Showstopper Dessert: Perfect for birthdays, spring parties, or any occasion where you want a joyful and impressive dessert to wow your guests.
• Indulgent Layers: From the classic graham cracker base to the creamy lemon cheesecake filling and the billowy torched meringue topping, each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
• Nostalgic and Creative: Combining the traditional lemon meringue tarts with the classic New York-style cheesecake, this dessert marries nostalgic bakery favorites with modern dessert creativity.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable with variations like orange or lime zest, different fruit coulis, or edible flowers, making it perfect for different seasons and occasions.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Friends and guests will rave about this dessert at potlucks and gatherings, making it a go-to recipe for celebrations and special events.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare in advance by freezing the cheesecake before adding the curd and meringue, allowing you to have a delicious dessert ready to impress at any time.
• Colorful Garnish: Serve with lemon curls, edible flowers, or fresh berries for a sunny and vibrant presentation that elevates each slice into a little celebration.
• Long-Lasting Enjoyment: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days, making it a great make-ahead dessert that still tastes fresh and delicious even after a few days.

Ingredients for Decadent Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe

Crust

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

Cheesecake Filling

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Topping

• 3/4 cup lemon curd

Meringue

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 4 large egg whites

Pro Tips for Decadent Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe

For the Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Bliss, ensure your cheesecake turns out perfectly by baking it in a steam-filled oven and avoiding overmixing the batter. This will help achieve a creamy texture and prevent cracking. When cooling the cheesecake, let it cool gradually with the oven door cracked open to prevent drastic temperature changes.

To enhance the vibrant lemon flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest whenever possible. However, in a pinch, quality bottled lemon juice can be substituted. Remember to keep the cheesecake chilled in the refrigerator, loosely covered, and consume within 3-4 days for the best texture and taste. Additionally, for a beautiful golden finish on the meringue, consider using a kitchen torch or briefly broiling the meringue for similar results.

How to Make Decadent Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Pan and Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Form Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, then let cool completely.

Step 3: Mix Cheesecake Filling

Using a stand mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.

Step 4: Bake Cheesecake

Pour the cream cheese mixture onto the cooled crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Take the cheesecake out of the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, or overnight, until fully set.

Step 6: Add Lemon Curd

Spread a layer of lemon curd on top of the chilled cheesecake. Place the cheesecake back in the refrigerator for 1 more hour.

Step 7: Prepare Meringue

In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, whisk together egg whites, granulated sugar, and cream of tartar until sugar dissolves and mixture is warm. Remove from heat, beat until glossy with stiff peaks, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 8: Finish with Meringue

Spread meringue over lemon curd, swirling and creating peaks. Torch or broil until golden brown. Chill before serving.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve made the delightful Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Bliss, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain its freshness. Cover the cheesecake well and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The meringue topping will retain its glossy and soft texture when kept chilled. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices by wrapping them first in parchment paper and then in foil. Thaw the frozen slices overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture and taste.

To maintain the vibrant flavors of the Lemon Meringue Cheesecake, be sure to use fresh lemon juice and zest as recommended in the recipe. When storing the dessert in the refrigerator, loosely cover it to prevent any absorption of other odors. Enjoy the cheesecake within 3–4 days for the best experience. If desired, you can use a kitchen torch to give the meringue a beautiful golden finish, or briefly broil it for a similar effect. By following these storage tips, you can savor the deliciousness of this dessert for days to come.

Ingredient Substitutions

For potential ingredient substitutions in this Lemon Meringue Cheesecake recipe, if you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer crumbs for the crust. Additionally, if fresh lemons are not available, you can substitute quality bottled lemon juice for a similar citrus flavor in the cheesecake filling. However, using fresh lemons and zest will enhance the overall vibrancy and taste of the dessert.

If you are out of sour cream, full-fat Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute to mimic the tanginess and richness it provides in the cheesecake filling. When serving, you can customize the dessert by adding extra garnishes like lemon curls, edible flowers, or fresh berries to elevate the presentation and add a pop of color to each slice. These substitutions and additions can help tailor the dessert to your preference while maintaining its delightful flavors.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting individual mini Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Bliss jars for a charming and convenient dessert option. Layer the graham cracker crust, lemon cheesecake filling, lemon curd, and meringue in small glass jars for a visually appealing and portable treat. Top each jar with a sprinkle of lemon zest or a small edible flower for an elegant touch.

Another fun idea is to create a Lemon Meringue Cheesecake trifle by layering cubes of cheesecake, dollops of lemon curd, and mounds of meringue in a clear trifle dish. Repeat the layers for a stunning dessert display that showcases the beautiful colors and textures of each component. Serve with extra lemon curd and fresh berries on the side for a customizable and delightful dessert experience.

FAQs for Decadent Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe

Can I substitute graham crackers with another type of biscuit for the crust?

Yes, you can use digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer crumbs as a substitute for graham crackers in the crust.

How long can I store leftover Lemon Meringue Cheesecake in the fridge?

You can store leftover cheesecake well covered in the fridge for up to four days. The meringue stays glossy and soft if you keep it chilled.

What is the best way to freeze slices of Lemon Meringue Cheesecake?

To freeze slices, wrap them first in parchment paper, then in foil. Thaw the wrapped slices overnight in the fridge before serving for the best results.

How can I achieve a golden finish on the meringue if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can briefly broil the meringue in the oven to achieve a similar golden finish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Bliss is a dessert that never fails to bring delight and joy to any occasion. With its creamy lemon cheesecake filling, tangy lemon curd, and fluffy torched meringue, each bite is a burst of sunshine and sweetness. Whether you’re baking it for a special celebration or just to treat yourself, this layered masterpiece will surely impress your taste buds and those lucky enough to enjoy it with you.

Remember, this recipe is all about creating moments of bliss and indulgence, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your garnishes and flavor variations. From orange zest to berry coulis, there are endless ways to customize this dessert and make it your own. So go ahead, whip up a Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Bliss and let its charm and deliciousness brighten up your day.