Description
A delightful dessert combining creamy cheesecake with a light and airy meringue topping, perfect for lemon lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar together in a bowl.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes and let it cool.
- Beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Bake for about 60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let it cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form to make meringue.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the meringue over the chilled cheesecake and use a spatula to create peaks.
- Brown the meringue slightly using a kitchen torch or broiler, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Chill again for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve chilled, garnished with fresh lemon slices or mint leaves. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
