Zesty Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes
Delight in these Zesty Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes that blend sweet and tart flavors with a creamy filling, crunchy crust, and fluffy meringue.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 90 g crushed graham crackers Use pre-made or crush your own.
- 60 g melted butter Melted to bind crust ingredients together.
- a pinch flaky salt Enhances the flavor of the crust.
For the Filling
- 300 g softened cream cheese Must be at room temperature.
- 150 g granulated sugar Used for sweetening filling and meringue.
- 2 tbsp lemon zest Adds freshness; zest before juicing.
- 120 ml lemon juice Freshly squeezed for maximum flavor.
- 30 g all-purpose flour Adds stability to the filling.
- 60 g sour cream Balances the flavors.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Enhances the flavor profile.
For the Meringue
- 4 large egg whites Beaten to soft peaks.
- 100 g granulated sugar for meringue Helps achieve a glossy meringue.
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar Stabilizes the egg whites.
- a pinch flaky salt A little goes a long way.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and flaky salt. Mix until the crumbs are moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined cupcake tray to form your crusts.
Filling
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, flour, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Blend until creamy and well incorporated.
- Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the crusts and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Meringue Topping
- While the cheesecakes cool, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add in the granulated sugar, cream of tartar, and a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the meringue over the tops of the cooled cheesecakes, creating peaks with a spatula.
- Return the cheesecakes to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden.
Notes
For a deeper lemon flavor, consider increasing the zest or juice. Serve these cheesecakes chilled for a refreshing dessert on warm days.