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Lemon Curd Meringue Cheesecake Bliss

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 7 hours
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking, Torching
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Bright, creamy, and irresistibly elegant—Lemon Curd Meringue Cheesecake Bliss is the ultimate dessert for citrus lovers and cheesecake fans alike. This easy recipe features a buttery graham cracker crust, silky lemon-infused cheesecake, luscious homemade lemon curd, and a cloud-like Swiss meringue topping. Whether you need a show-stopping centerpiece for a brunch, holiday dinner, or simply want to impress, this layered treat has it all—texture, flavor, and flair. Perfect as a spring dessert, dinner party idea, or when you're hunting for easy cheesecake recipes or lemon dessert ideas that wow every time.


Ingredients

Scale

1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs

⅓ cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

3 packages cream cheese (8 oz each), softened

1 cup granulated sugar

¾ cup sour cream

3 large eggs

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3 large egg yolks

½ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

3 large egg whites

¾ cup granulated sugar

¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a bowl. Stir in melted butter until evenly moistened. Press mixture into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool.

2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, sour cream, flour, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until just combined. Beat in eggs one at a time on low speed.

3. Pour cheesecake batter over the crust. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set with a slight jiggle. Turn off oven, crack door, and let cool inside for 1 hour. Chill in fridge for 6 hours or overnight.

4. In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and zest for the lemon curd. Stir constantly until thickened, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter until smooth. Strain and let cool.

5. Spread cooled lemon curd over chilled cheesecake. Refrigerate while making meringue.

6. For the meringue, whisk egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until sugar dissolves and mixture reaches 160°F. Beat on high until stiff, glossy peaks form. Add vanilla.

7. Pipe meringue over cheesecake and use a kitchen torch to toast until golden. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.


Notes

Let all dairy ingredients come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter.

Prepare the cheesecake and lemon curd up to 2 days in advance—add the meringue just before serving.

When toasting the meringue, keep the torch moving to avoid burning and achieve an even golden color.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 260mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: lemon cheesecake, lemon meringue, summer dessert, cheesecake recipe, lemon curd dessert, make-ahead dessert, spring baking, meringue cheesecake