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Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe

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This baked lemon meringue cheesecake is the perfect fusion of creamy, citrusy, and sweet. With lemon curd, graham cracker crust, and toasted meringue—this dessert impresses every time!

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 7 hours (including chilling)
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs

¼ cup granulated sugar

⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

24 oz cream cheese (3 packages), softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup sour cream

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 large eggs

For the Topping:

¾ cup lemon curd

4 large egg whites

½ cup granulated sugar

¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place a pan of water on the bottom oven rack to create steam. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.

Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool.

Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour. Mix to combine.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined (do not overmix).

Bake: Pour filling over the crust. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

Cool: Turn off the oven and let cheesecake sit with the door cracked for 10–15 minutes. Remove and cool on a wire rack. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Lemon Curd Layer: Once chilled, spread lemon curd evenly on top of the cheesecake. Chill for another hour.

Make Meringue: In a heatproof bowl over a double boiler, whisk egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar until sugar dissolves and mixture is warm. Remove from heat and beat with a mixer until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla.

Finish: Spread meringue over the cheesecake, using a spoon to create peaks. Lightly toast using a kitchen torch or under the broiler until golden brown.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smoother batter.

Don’t overmix after adding the eggs to avoid cracks.

If you don’t have a torch, broil carefully for 1–2 minutes to brown the meringue.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To freeze: Wrap the cheesecake before topping with meringue and freeze for up to 2 months.