Get ready to experience a mind-blowing dessert that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Tart is not just a dessert—it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the tangy brightness of lemon and the cloud-like perfection of meringue. Imagine a dessert so irresistible that it will have your guests begging for the recipe, and your Instagram followers double-tapping before they even taste it!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar (for meringue)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the oven rack in the center of the oven to ensure even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix until the batter is completely smooth with no lumps.
- Pour the cheesecake filling into the pre-made graham cracker crust, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the cheesecake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes.
- For the meringue, combine sugar and cream of tartar in a clean, dry mixing bowl.
- Using an electric mixer with clean beaters, whip egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar mixture while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form and the meringue is thick and stable.
- Spread the meringue over the cooled cheesecake, creating decorative peaks and swirls with the back of a spoon.
- Use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the meringue, or place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Allow the tart to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to set properly.
- Slice and serve chilled. Garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh berries if desired.
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- When making meringue, make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry to achieve perfect peaks.
- Use a kitchen torch for more controlled browning of the meringue, but the broiler works too—just watch it like a hawk!
- For the smoothest cheesecake filling, beat the cream cheese thoroughly and add eggs one at a time.
- Let the tart cool completely and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to set properly and enhance the flavors.
- For a professional touch, use a piping bag to create elegant meringue peaks.
- Fresh lemon zest is key to maximizing that bright, citrusy flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 120mg
