Description
A delightful fusion of classic lemon meringue pie and creamy cheesecake.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in 1 and 1/4 cups sugar and flour until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Pour filling over the cooled crust.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set. Turn off oven and leave cheesecake in oven with the door ajar for 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- To make the meringue, in a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Spread meringue over the chilled cheesecake, covering the top completely and sealing to the crust edges.
- Brown the meringue using a kitchen torch or by placing the cheesecake under the broiler for a few minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning).
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.
- Do not open the oven door while the cheesecake is baking to prevent cracking.
- Chill the cheesecake thoroughly before adding the meringue.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Lemon Meringue, Cheesecake, Dessert, Baking, Cream Cheese