Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the zesty brightness of lemons with the creamy richness of cheesecake, all topped with a fluffy meringue. This recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a celebration of flavors that dance together in perfect harmony. The origins of lemon meringue pie date back to the 19th century, but I’ve taken this classic concept and elevated it into a cheesecake that will leave your guests in awe.
People adore Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake for its unique blend of textures—the smooth, velvety cheesecake contrasts beautifully with the light, airy meringue, while the tart lemon filling adds a refreshing zing. It’s a dessert that’s not only visually stunning but also incredibly convenient to make, making it perfect for gatherings or special occasions. Join me as we dive into this luscious recipe that promises to be a showstopper at your next event!
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- For the lemon curd:
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- For the meringue topping:
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparing the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your crust bakes evenly and becomes nice and crispy.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the crumbs are well coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Make sure to pack it tightly to create a solid base for your cheesecake.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Preparing the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the mixture, making your cheesecake light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and cornstarch. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the cheesecake in the oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools.
- Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the oven door open. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about an hour. This helps prevent cracking.
- After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
Making the Lemon Curd
- In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, and eggs. Whisk together until well blended.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter pieces until fully melted and incorporated.
- Transfer the lemon curd to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to use.
Preparing the
Conclusion:
In summary, this Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors. The creamy cheesecake base, combined with the zesty lemon curd and topped with a fluffy meringue, creates a dessert that is not only visually stunning but also a true treat for the taste buds. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or simply indulging yourself on a cozy evening, this cheesecake is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing it with fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce to add a pop of color and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or orange to create your own unique twist on this classic dessert. I encourage you to give this Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how it turns out for you! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media; I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations. Happy baking! PrintTriple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake: A Zesty Delight for Dessert Lovers
This delightful Lemon Cheesecake with Meringue Topping features a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy lemon-infused cheesecake filling, a tangy lemon curd layer, and a fluffy meringue topping. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is sure to impress with its bright flavors and beautiful presentation!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 300 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
- Egg whites
- Cream of tartar
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon curd
- Graham cracker crust
- Cream cheese
Instructions
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy.
- Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Once the cheesecake has chilled, spread the lemon curd evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
- Carefully spoon the meringue topping over the lemon curd, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
- Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, create peaks and swirls in the meringue for a decorative finish.
- Using a kitchen torch, lightly toast the meringue until golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the cheesecake under the broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Let the cheesecake cool for a bit before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious lemon cheesecake with meringue topping!
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Make sure to cool the cheesecake completely before adding the lemon curd and meringue topping.
- This cheesecake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.