Get ready to awaken your taste buds with my Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake! This delightful fresh treat combines creamy cheesecake, zesty lemon curd, and fluffy meringue, creating a dessert that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a lemon lover or just seeking a standout dish for your next gathering, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Join me as I guide you step-by-step to making this show-stopping dessert!
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– Zest and juice of 2 lemons
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Lemon Curd Ingredients
– 3 large eggs
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– ⅓ cup lemon juice
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Meringue Topping Ingredients
– 3 large egg whites
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The ingredients are key to making this dish shine. For the crust, I use crushed graham crackers. They bring a sweet, crumbly base. Melted butter and sugar add richness. This mix makes a nice layer that holds everything together.
The cheesecake filling is where the magic starts. Cream cheese makes it smooth and rich. Sugar sweetens it just right. The eggs help bind everything. Lemon zest and juice add that bright, tart flavor we love. A hint of vanilla rounds it out nicely.
Next, we need lemon curd. This is a luscious layer on top. Eggs, sugar, and lemon juice combine over heat. Stir it until it thickens. The zest gives it an extra pop of lemon flavor. Butter makes it creamy and smooth.
Finally, the meringue topping is a showstopper. Egg whites whip up light and fluffy. Adding sugar slowly helps it become stable. Cream of tartar keeps it from falling. A touch of vanilla adds flavor. This topping will be golden and fluffy once baked.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Each layer is special. Together, they create a delightful treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
– Preheat to 325°F (165°C)
– Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This helps the cheesecake cook evenly. Next, lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or non-stick spray. This step ensures easy removal later.
Make the Crust
– Combine crust ingredients and press into the pan
– Bake for 10 minutes and set aside
For the crust, combine 1 ½ cups of crushed graham crackers, ½ cup melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl. Mix until the crumbs look wet. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
– Blend cream cheese and sugar until smooth
– Add eggs, lemon zest, juice, and vanilla; mix until combined
Now, in a large bowl, blend 16 ounces of softened cream cheese with ½ cup of sugar. Mix until smooth. Add 3 large eggs, lemon zest from 2 lemons, ⅓ cup of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s all combined and creamy.
Bake the Cheesecake
– Pour filling over crust and bake for 50-60 minutes
– Cool in the oven for 1 hour and refrigerate for 4 hours
Pour this filling over the cooled crust, smoothing it with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The center should jiggle a bit. Once baked, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let it cool for 1 hour. After that, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Make the Lemon Curd
– Whisk together lemon curd ingredients over medium heat
– Cook until thickened and stir in butter; cool completely
To make the lemon curd, whisk together 3 eggs, ¾ cup sugar, ⅓ cup lemon juice, and zest of 1 lemon in a small saucepan over medium heat. Keep whisking until it thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Once thick, stir in 4 tablespoons of butter until melted. Let it cool completely.
Assemble and Bake
– Spread lemon curd over cheesecake
– Prepare meringue topping and spread over the curd
– Broil until golden brown
Spread the cooled lemon curd over the cheesecake evenly. Next, for the meringue topping, beat 3 large egg whites until frothy. Add ¼ teaspoon of cream of tartar and whip until soft peaks form. Gradually add ¾ cup of sugar while beating until stiff peaks form. Fold in 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Spread the meringue on top of the lemon curd, creating peaks. Broil for 1-2 minutes until golden brown, watching closely to prevent burning.
For the full recipe, be sure to check the details above!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Cheesecake Texture
To make a creamy cheesecake, use room temperature ingredients. Cold cream cheese does not blend well. It can cause lumps and a tough texture. Let your eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. This also helps create a smooth batter.
Be careful not to overmix. Mix just until combined. Overmixing adds air to the batter. This can lead to cracks during baking. A gentle touch helps keep your cheesecake smooth and perfect.
Broiling Meringue
Broiling meringue can be tricky. Keep a close eye on it while it cooks. Even a moment can turn it from perfect to burnt. Set your broiler to a low setting. This helps the meringue brown slowly without burning.
Broil for about 1-2 minutes. Watch for a nice golden color on top. Once you see it turning golden, pull it out. Let it cool completely before slicing.
Serving and Presentation Suggestions
To cut clean slices, use a sharp knife. Dip the knife in hot water before each cut. This helps to keep the slices neat.
Garnish your cheesecake with fresh lemon slices or berries. A sprig of mint adds a nice touch too. These details make your dessert even more inviting. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the steps in detail!
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change up the flavor of your cheesecake. Adding berries is a fun twist. Blueberries or raspberries add bright flavors and color. They make each bite exciting!
You can also use other citrus fruits. Lime or orange zest gives a fresh taste. This adds depth to the lemon flavor. You can mix and match to find your favorite combo.
Dietary Modifications
If you’re gluten-free, try almond flour for the crust. Mix it with melted butter for a tasty base. You can also use gluten-free graham crackers for a classic taste.
For a vegan take, swap cream cheese for cashew cream. You can make meringue with aquafaba instead of egg whites. This keeps the light and fluffy texture. Both options are delicious and friendly to different diets.
Seasonal Variations
You can adapt this cheesecake for seasons too. In spring, add fresh strawberries or peaches on top. In fall, try slices of apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
For holidays, include festive toppings. Use pomegranate seeds for a holiday touch. You can also use crushed candy canes for a minty flavor. Each season brings new ideas to make this cheesecake special.
For more detailed instructions and ideas, check the Full Recipe.
Storage Info
How to Store Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake
Store your cheesecake in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you do not have one, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This will help keep the flavors intact.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze leftover cheesecake for later. First, cut it into slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This keeps them safe from freezer burn. To serve later, thaw the slices in the fridge for several hours. This keeps the texture nice.
Shelf Life
The cheesecake lasts up to five days in the fridge. However, I recommend eating it within three days for the best taste. Look for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or a change in color. If you see any mold, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy your delicious Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
FAQs
Can I make Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake a day in advance?
Yes, you can make this cheesecake a day ahead. It tastes even better after chilling. To store, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. This helps the flavors blend and makes it creamy.
What if my cheesecake cracks during baking?
If your cheesecake cracks, don’t worry! This can happen. To prevent this, make sure your oven is not too hot. Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese. Also, avoid overmixing the batter. If it cracks, you can cover it with meringue. The meringue will hide the cracks well.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
Look for a slight jiggle in the center of your cheesecake. It should be set around the edges. The center will firm up as it cools. This way, you avoid overbaking. You can also insert a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your cheesecake is ready!
Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Yes, store-bought lemon curd is fine to use. It saves time and effort. However, homemade curd can taste fresher and brighter. If you want a rich lemon flavor, go for homemade. Store-bought is great for convenience. Just choose one with good ingredients for the best taste.
For the complete cooking process, check out the Full Recipe.
This blog post walks you through making a delicious Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake. You learned about the right ingredients, step-by-step baking tips, and storage advice. Achieving a smooth texture and perfect meringue is key. Don’t forget the endless flavor variations you can try. Now, it’s time for you to create your cheesecake masterpiece. Enjoy every slice and impress your friends and family with your skills! Your kitchen has never been this exciting.
