Description
A delightful cheesecake featuring a rich cream cheese filling, tangy lemon curd, and a light meringue topping, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups lemon shortbread cookie crumbs
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 32 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- Zest from 2 large lemons
- 2 eggs
- 4 egg yolks
- 2/3 cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Lemon Curd: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar for 4-5 minutes. Add the strained lemon juice and cornstarch slurry, then cook until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Process the lemon shortbread cookies into crumbs, mix with the melted butter, and press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy. Add the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well before adding the next. Finally, add the lemon zest. Layer the cheesecake batter and lemon curd on top of the cooled crust.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Lower the oven temperature to 320°F (160°C) and bake the cheesecake for 90 minutes, or until set. Allow it to cool inside the oven, then chill overnight.
- Make the Meringue: Whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl until soft peaks form. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water and cook until it reaches 238°F (114°C). Slowly pour this mixture into the egg whites while whisking until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla extract.
- Assemble and Serve: Spread the meringue on top of the chilled cheesecake. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the meringue slightly before serving. Enjoy with extra lemon curd if desired!
Notes
Chill your cheesecake overnight for the best flavor and texture. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: cheesecake, lemon, dessert, meringue, bake