Cheesecake lovers and lemon meringue pie aficionados, your worlds are about to collide. Imagine the smooth creaminess of a cheesecake combined with the tangy zest of lemon and the airy sweetness of meringue. If this sounds like a dream, then our Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is about to make your culinary dreams come true. In this engaging, SEO-optimized guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, so you can create this masterpiece in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To bake your own Lemon Meringue Cheesecake, you will need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
For the Lemon Curd:
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
For the Meringue:
- 4 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
- Create the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sugar, followed by the vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until just combined. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Pour this filling over the prepared crust.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake for about 1 hour, or until the center is set and the top is lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan.
- Prepare the Lemon Curd: In a saucepan, combine the lemon juice, sugar, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the cubed butter until it’s completely melted. Allow the lemon curd to cool.
- Create the Meringue: Beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Spread the lemon curd evenly over the cooled cheesecake. Top with the meringue, spreading it to the edges of the cheesecake.
- Brown the Meringue: Use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the meringue, or place the cheesecake under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Serve: Refrigerate the Lemon Meringue Cheesecake for at least 3 hours before serving. Enjoy the delightful interplay of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors in every bite!
Conclusion
Baking a Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is a rewarding adventure, offering a gourmet twist on two beloved desserts. Its heavenly combination of creamy cheesecake, tangy lemon curd, and sweet meringue is guaranteed to impress at any gathering. We hope this guide inspires you to try this unique and satisfying dessert. Enjoy the journey and the delightful end result!