Description
A delightful cheesecake combining creamy richness with an airy meringue and refreshing lemon flavor, perfect for summer celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for meringue)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for meringue)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (for meringue)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar and continue to beat until fluffy.
- Add the sour cream, then beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully combined.
- In a small bowl, mix the heavy cream, cornstarch, and salt. Pour the mixture into the cheesecake batter and mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter over the cooled crust. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour. Then let it cool completely at room temperature and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- To prepare the meringue, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 cup of sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Heat the fresh lemon juice until warm, and slowly drizzle it into the meringue while beating constantly.
- Spread the meringue over the chilled cheesecake. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for an additional hour before serving.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. Watch the meringue closely while baking to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 95mg