Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe: A Bright & Creamy Dessert Masterpiece

Few desserts command attention quite like cheesecake, and fewer still achieve the perfect harmony of tangy brightness and luxurious creaminess found in Lemon Meringue Cheesecake. Picture this: velvety New York-style cheesecake infused with vibrant lemon zest and fresh juice, nestled atop a buttery graham cracker base, and finished with billowing clouds of golden-brown meringue. Every forkful delivers a delightful contrast of textures—smooth, citrusy, and impossibly light—creating a dessert that captivates both the eyes and the palate.

Whether you’re planning a spring brunch, hosting an Easter celebration, organizing a summer gathering, or simply craving a show-stopping finale to any meal, this Lemon Meringue Cheesecake delivers. The brilliant combination of rich cheesecake, tangy lemon curd, and airy meringue creates an experience your guests won’t soon forget.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to master this stunning dessert: ingredients, detailed instructions, expert tips, creative variations, timing breakdowns, nutritional details, and serving inspiration. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have all the confidence needed to create this masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Collection

Harmonious Flavor Profile – Sharp lemon curd provides the perfect counterpoint to sweet cheesecake and delicate meringue, creating a balanced taste sensation.

Visual Drama – Those gorgeously torched meringue peaks transform your cheesecake into an Instagram-worthy centerpiece that commands attention.

Convenience Factor – Since cheesecake actually improves after overnight chilling, this recipe fits beautifully into any advance-prep schedule.

Universal Appeal – This dessert bridges the gap between cheesecake enthusiasts and citrus lovers, pleasing virtually every palate.

Flexible Foundation – Feel free to experiment with different crusts, citrus varieties, or meringue flavorings to make this recipe uniquely yours.

Essential Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 cups (200g) graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional boost of citrus)

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 3 packages (8 oz each, 680g total) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (crack prevention)
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice

For the Lemon Curd Layer

• 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, cubed

For the Meringue Topping

• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (meringue stabilizer)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional enhancement)

Complete Preparation Guide

Building the Foundation

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to ensure even baking temperature.

Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, sugar, and optional lemon zest in a mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until the mixture resembles damp sand with uniform moisture throughout.

Transfer the crumb mixture to a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan, pressing firmly and evenly across the bottom to create a compact, stable base.

Bake the prepared crust for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool while preparing the filling.

Creating the Cheesecake Layer

Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer until completely smooth and lump-free.

Incorporate the sugar, mixing until fully dissolved and well blended into the cream cheese base.

Add eggs individually, mixing on low speed after each addition to minimize air incorporation and prevent cracking.

Fold in vanilla extract, sour cream, flour, lemon zest, and lemon juice, stirring only until the mixture achieves a smooth consistency—excessive mixing increases crack risk.

Pour the silky filling over your cooled crust, using a spatula to smooth the surface into an even layer.

Baking to Perfection

Position the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan, then carefully pour hot water around it to establish a water bath that promotes even baking and crack prevention.

Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 55–65 minutes, checking for a center that jiggles slightly but appears mostly set.

Switch off the oven, prop the door open slightly, and allow the cheesecake to rest undisturbed for 1 hour in the residual heat.

Transfer to a wire rack for complete room temperature cooling, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, though overnight yields optimal texture.

Crafting the Lemon Curd

Whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and egg yolks in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Continue whisking constantly while cooking gently until the mixture noticeably thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 8–10 minutes.

Remove from heat and vigorously whisk in butter cubes until the curd becomes smooth and glossy.

Pass the finished curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solid particles, ensuring silky texture.

Allow to cool completely before spreading evenly across your thoroughly chilled cheesecake.

Preparing the Meringue Crown

Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in a spotlessly clean bowl on medium speed until soft peaks begin forming.

Gradually incorporate sugar one tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks develop that hold their shape.

Mix in vanilla extract if desired for additional flavor dimension.

Dollop the meringue onto your cheesecake, spreading it to the edges and creating attractive swirls and peaks with a spatula or spoon.

The Finishing Touch

Use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the meringue peaks until golden brown, moving continuously to prevent burning. Alternatively, position the cheesecake under a preheated broiler for 1–2 minutes, monitoring closely to avoid scorching.

Time Investment Breakdown

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cooling & Chilling: 5 hours
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 40 minutes (predominantly hands-off chilling)

Expert Success Strategies

Temperature Matters – Room temperature cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream blend more smoothly and prevent lumps in your filling.

Gentle Mixing – Excessive beating incorporates unwanted air bubbles that expand during baking and create surface cracks.

Water Bath Protection – Wrapping your springform pan exterior with aluminum foil before adding water prevents leaks into the crust.

Advance Preparation – Prepare lemon curd up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container for convenience.

Controlled Browning – A kitchen torch offers superior control compared to a broiler when toasting delicate meringue peaks.

Presentation Ideas

Serve well-chilled slices accompanied by fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for color contrast and complementary tartness.

Garnish with thin lemon slices, homemade candied lemon peel, or delicate edible flowers for restaurant-quality presentation.

Pair with hot tea, chilled champagne, or crisp sparkling wine to create an elevated dessert course experience.

Creative Adaptations

Alternative Citrus – Substitute lime or orange juice and zest for different flavor profiles while maintaining the same measurements.

Cookie Base Options – Replace graham crackers with crushed vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or gingersnaps for unique taste and texture.

No-Bake Approach – Transform this into a no-bake cheesecake by incorporating gelatin and skipping the oven entirely.

Individual Portions – Prepare single-serving versions by baking in lined muffin tins for portion control and easy serving.

Nutritional Overview (Per Slice, 12 Servings)

Calories: Approximately 420
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Sugar: 32g
Protein: 7g
Fiber: 1g

Nutritional values represent estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Closing Thoughts

This Lemon Meringue Cheesecake represents a worthy investment of your time and attention. The recipe masterfully unites tangy lemon curd, decadent cheesecake richness, and ethereal meringue sweetness into one extraordinary dessert experience. Whether you’re preparing it for holiday entertaining, birthday celebrations, or simply treating yourself to something exceptional, this recipe guarantees a dessert that dazzles both visually and gastronomically.

For lemon meringue pie devotees, this cheesecake elevates familiar flavors to new heights. One taste will convince you that this dessert deserves permanent residence in your recipe collection.