Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavors of lemon with the creamy texture of cheesecake and the fluffy sweetness of the meringue. This dessert is a perfect treat for any occasion and will surely please everyone's taste buds. This food blog will walk you through a step-by-step guide to making the perfect Lemon Meringue Cheesecake.

Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 1 hrs 10 mins Additional Time: 4 hrs Total Time: 5 hrs 30 mins
Servings:16 Yield:1 9-inch cake

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 and 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

• 24 oz of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup of sour cream
• 1/4 cup of heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
• 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice

For the meringue:

• 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar

Recipe

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F.
Step 2: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to make the crust as even as possible.
Step 4: Bake the crust for 10 minutes or until it starts to turn golden brown. Remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it's smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Add the sugar and continue beating until it's well combined.
Step 7: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 8: Add the sour cream, heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and beat until everything is well combined.
Step 9: Pour the filling over the crust and smooth it out using a spatula.
Step 10: Bake the cheesecake for 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
Step 11: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 12: Preheat your oven's broiler.
Step 13: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until the mixture forms soft peaks.
Step 14: Add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating continuously until the meringue forms stiff peaks.
Step 15: Spread the meringue over the cheesecake, making sure to cover the entire surface and seal the edges.
Step 16: Place the cheesecake under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.
Step 17: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 18: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 19: Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve chilled.

Some Tips and Techniques for Cooking

• Make sure your cream cheese is softened before you start mixing it. This makes it easier to mix and results in a smoother, creamier cheesecake.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. If you don't have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice, but the flavor won't be as bright.
• To make the meringue, use a clean and dry mixing bowl. Any grease or moisture can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly.
• Add the sugar gradually to the egg whites while beating them. This ensures that the sugar is evenly distributed and the meringue is stable.
• When spreading the meringue over the cheesecake, make sure it touches the edges of the crust. This prevents the meringue from shrinking and pulling away from the edges while baking.
• Bake the meringue until it is golden brown. This not only gives it a beautiful appearance but also ensures that it is cooked all the way through.
• Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before slicing and serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice cleanly.

Benefits

• Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is important for immune function and skin health.
• Cream cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, which are important for muscle and bone health.
• The sour cream used in the recipe can provide probiotics, which can improve gut health.
• Graham crackers used in the crust contain fiber and complex carbohydrates, which can provide sustained energy and promote digestive health.
• Egg whites used in the meringue are a good source of protein and can aid in muscle recovery after exercise.

Conclusion

This Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is a perfect dessert for any occasion. The tangy lemon flavor combined with the creamy cheesecake and fluffy meringue is a match made in heaven. Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you will have the perfect dessert to impress your guests. Enjoy!