Description
Delicate mini lemon meringue cheesecakes blend creamy richness with zesty citrus perfection. Sweet, tangy layers create an irresistible dessert you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
- 2 large eggs
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
Meringue Topping:
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 325F (165C) and arrange cupcake liners in a muffin tin.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter to create a firm crust. Press the mixture into the bottom of each liner, ensuring an even base.
- Cream the softened cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in vanilla, lemon juice, and zest to enhance the flavor profile.
- Distribute the cheesecake batter evenly across the cupcake liners. Bake for 20 minutes until the centers are set and slightly firm to the touch.
- Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, generously spread lemon curd across the top of each individual cheesecake.
- Whip egg whites with cream of tartar until soft, cloud-like peaks emerge. Gradually introduce sugar while continuing to beat until meringue forms stiff, glossy peaks.
- Carefully pipe or spread the meringue over the lemon curd layer, ensuring complete coverage and sealed edges to prevent shrinkage during final baking.
- Return the cheesecakes to the oven for 10 minutes, watching for a golden-brown meringue top. Remove and allow to cool completely before serving these delicate desserts.
Notes
- Experiment with different graham cracker alternatives like gingersnap or chocolate cookie crumbs for a unique base flavor profile.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting graham crackers with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for those with dietary restrictions.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter and prevent cracking during baking.
- Toast the meringue with a kitchen torch instead of oven-baking for more precise and controlled browning of the topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 157 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg