Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

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Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake: A Zesty Delight That Will Brighten Your Day!

Are you ready to treat yourself and your loved ones with an irresistible dessert that balances tangy and sweet, all while looking absolutely stunning on your table? Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is the perfect recipe to bring a burst of sunshine into your life! Imagine digging into a creamy cheesecake layered with zesty lemon flavors and topped off with fluffy meringue—it’s a slice of heaven. Whether you need a last-minute dessert for a dinner party or a special treat for your family, this recipe will not disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

Let’s face it: life gets busy, and sometimes, we just need a little indulgence that doesn’t take hours to prepare. This cheesecake is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for brightening up a dull afternoon or impressing guests at your next gathering. With the lovely balance of lemon zest, creamy filling, and a cloud-like meringue topping, this dessert hits all the right notes. Plus, who doesn’t love the challenge of perfecting meringue? Challenge accepted, my friends!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your delicious Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake:

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh is best!)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (don’t skimp on this—zest is where the flavor lives!)

For the Lemon Curd:

  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Meringue:

  • 3 large egg whites
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 cup sugar

Steps to Cheesecake Perfection

Now, let’s roll up those sleeves and dive into the sweet adventure of making our Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake!

  1. Prepare the Crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until moistened, then press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let it cool.

  2. Make the Cheesecake Filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in sugar, mixing until combined. Add in the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, blending until just combined.

  3. Bake the Cheesecake. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about an hour. This helps to prevent cracks.

  4. Whip Up the Lemon Curd. In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 8-10 minutes). Stir in the butter until melted. Spread the lemon curd over the cooled cheesecake.

  5. Prepare the Meringue. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar together until soft peaks form. Gradually add in the sugar, continuing to beat until glossy stiff peaks form.

  6. Top It Off. Spread the meringue over the lemon curd layer, making sure to seal the edges to prevent shrinking. You can create swirls or peaks for extra flair!

  7. Bake the Meringue. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until the meringue is golden brown.

  8. Chill and Serve. Carefully remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool before refrigerating for at least 4 hours (or overnight).

Cooking Tips

  • Egg Whites: Make sure your mixing bowl is completely clean and dry before whipping egg whites. Any grease can prevent them from reaching their full potential.
  • Zesting: When zesting, avoid the white part of the lemon as it can be bitter. Just the yellow will do!
  • Meringue Magic: If your meringue seems to weep (that’s when liquid forms under it), it could be because of humidity or not enough cooking. Aim for that golden perfection!

A Slice of Life

I’ll never forget the first time I made this cheesecake for a family gathering. My younger sister, Patricia, who happens to be lemon-obsessed, practically launched herself at the dessert table! This dessert became my go-to, especially when I see the kids fighting over who gets the biggest slice. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some lemony goodness under the guise of dessert — they don’t even notice they’re getting their vitamin C!

FAQs

Can I substitute cream cheese in this recipe?
You can use mascarpone for a different flavor and creaminess, but remember it will change the consistency.

How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be prepared to fight off those late-night cravings!

Is meringue hard to make?
Not at all! With a little patience and practice, you’ll be whipping up meringue like a pro in no time. Just remember to use room temperature egg whites!

Now that you’ve got the confidence to create this Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake, go ahead and treat yourself or turn it into a family tradition. It’s bound to become a beloved recipe that brings a smile to every face—especially yours when you savor that first scrumptious bite. So get cooking, and let’s make some sweet memories together!


Meta Description: "Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is the perfect recipe for a delightful dessert. Quick, easy, and delicious—try it today for a citrusy treat!"

For more delicious recipes like this, be sure to check out my Lemon Tart and Classic Cheesecake posts for more zesty ideas to brighten your table!

Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

This Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines tangy lemon flavors with a creamy cheesecake filling and a fluffy meringue topping, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.25 cups sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cups sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 0.25 cups lemon juice (fresh is best!)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest Don't skimp on this—zest is where the flavor lives!
For the Lemon Curd
  • 0.5 cups lemon juice
  • 0.5 cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Meringue
  • 3 large egg whites
  • 0.25 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 0.5 cups sugar

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until moistened, then press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let it cool.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in sugar, mixing until combined. Add in the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, blending until just combined.
Baking
  1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about an hour to prevent cracks.
  2. In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest for the lemon curd. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 8-10 minutes). Stir in the butter until melted. Spread the lemon curd over the cooled cheesecake.
Meringue Preparation
  1. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar together until soft peaks form. Gradually add in the sugar, continuing to beat until glossy stiff peaks form.
  2. Spread the meringue over the lemon curd layer, sealing the edges to prevent shrinking. Create swirls or peaks for extra flair.
Final Baking
  1. Bake the meringue in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Carefully remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool before refrigerating for at least 4 hours (or overnight).

Notes

Make sure your mixing bowl is completely clean and dry before whipping egg whites. Avoid the white part of the lemon while zesting, as it can be bitter. If your meringue seems to weep, it could be due to humidity or undercooking. Aim for that golden perfection!

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