Description
This luscious Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust filled with a smooth, creamy lemon-infused cheesecake batter. Topped with a light, fluffy meringue infused with fresh lemon juice and baked to a golden perfection, this dessert perfectly balances tangy citrus flavors with sweet creaminess, making it an irresistible showstopper for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Meringue Topping
- 3 large egg whites (assumed from volume needed for meringue)
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the crust and cheesecake.
- Mix Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Form Crust: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, using the back of a spoon to compact it evenly.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool to set properly.
- Prepare Cheesecake Batter: Beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth, then gradually add 1 cup sugar and mix until fluffy.
- Add Sour Cream: Mix in sour cream until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next to maintain a smooth texture.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until fully combined for that signature lemon flavor.
- Mix Heavy Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, combine heavy cream, cornstarch, and salt, stirring until the cornstarch dissolves fully.
- Add Cream Mixture: Slowly pour this into the cheesecake batter while mixing on low speed to keep the batter silky smooth.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the prepared batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan and smooth the surface evenly.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake at 325°F for 55 to 60 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly for a creamy texture.
- Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside to cool gradually for 1 hour.
- Cool Completely: Remove from oven and let cool fully at room temperature.
- Refrigerate: Chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to firm up.
- Prepare Meringue: Place egg whites, cream of tartar, and vanilla extract in a clean bowl and beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Slowly add remaining 1/4 cup sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Heat Lemon Juice: Warm fresh lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat, avoiding boiling.
- Incorporate Lemon Juice: Gradually drizzle warm lemon juice into meringue while beating constantly to integrate flavor and stabilize the meringue.
- Top Cheesecake: Spread meringue over chilled cheesecake, creating soft peaks and swirls with a spatula for an elegant finish.
- Bake Meringue: Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until meringue is golden brown and set.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and cool at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Remove Pan Ring: Carefully release and remove the springform pan sides.
- Final Chill: Refrigerate cheesecake for another hour before slicing and serving to ensure the perfect texture.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth cheesecake batter without lumps.
- Gradual addition of eggs prevents curdling and helps achieve a creamy texture.
- Cooling cheesecakes slowly inside the turned-off oven reduces cracking on the surface.
- The meringue topping must be spread evenly and baked briefly for a golden, stable finish.
- Refrigerate cheesecake overnight for best flavor and texture development.
- Use fresh lemons for zest and juice to maximize the bright, tangy flavor.
