Lemon Curd Meringue Cheesecake Bliss

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Lemon Curd Meringue Cheesecake Bliss is the dessert that dreams are made of. Imagine a velvety cheesecake infused with bright lemony flavor, topped with silky lemon curd, and crowned with swirls of toasted meringue. Each bite balances creamy, tangy, and sweet like a symphony of textures and flavors. It’s a showstopper that tastes even better than it looks.

Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, celebrating a birthday, or just want to indulge your citrus cravings, this cheesecake brings a fresh twist to a classic dessert. The crunchy graham cracker crust contrasts beautifully with the rich filling, while the torched meringue adds a cloud-like finish. It’s a sunshine-laced treat you’ll want to make again and again.

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What Kind of Graham Cracker Crust Should I Use?

For a cheesecake like this, a classic graham cracker crust does the trick. Use either homemade crumbs from graham crackers or store-bought graham cracker crumbs for convenience. Mix with melted butter and a touch of sugar to form a sturdy, flavorful base. Press it firmly into your springform pan to avoid crumbling when slicing.

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Ingredients for the Lemon Curd Meringue Cheesecake Bliss

• Graham cracker crumbs – The base that gives this cheesecake its classic, crunchy texture.
• Unsalted butter – Helps bind the crust and adds richness.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to both the crust and filling.
• Cream cheese – The creamy foundation of any good cheesecake.
• Sour cream – Adds a slight tang and smooth texture to the filling.
• Eggs – Provide structure and richness.
• Lemon juice and zest – Brings brightness and enhances the lemon flavor throughout.
• Vanilla extract – Adds warm depth to the filling.
• Lemon curd – A silky layer that amplifies the citrusy bliss.
• Egg whites and sugar (for meringue) – Whipped into peaks for that signature fluffy, golden-topped finish.

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How To Make the Lemon Curd Meringue Cheesecake Bliss

Step 1: Prep the Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a touch of sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan, forming an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until completely smooth. Add in the granulated sugar, followed by sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Place the springform pan in a water bath (wrap the pan with foil to prevent leaks). Bake for 55-65 minutes until the center is just set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and crack the door open; let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 4: Add the Lemon Curd

Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, spread a generous layer of lemon curd on top. Smooth it out with a spatula and return the cake to the fridge while you prepare the meringue.

Step 5: Whip the Meringue

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, whip egg whites and sugar over a double boiler until warm and sugar is dissolved. Then beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Step 6: Finish with Meringue Magic

Pile or pipe the meringue onto the lemon curd layer. Use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the meringue peaks until golden and swirled. Chill until ready to serve, or enjoy immediately if you can’t wait!

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How to Serve and Store Lemon Curd Meringue Cheesecake Bliss

To serve, slice the cheesecake with a hot, clean knife for perfect cuts. Wipe the knife between each slice to maintain those beautiful layers of graham crust, lemon filling, and meringue. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature for the creamiest texture and best flavor balance.

For storage, keep the cheesecake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The meringue may soften slightly over time but will still taste delicious. If you’re making it ahead, consider adding the meringue the day you plan to serve it for the freshest finish.

Freezing? Yes! Freeze the cheesecake (without meringue) tightly wrapped for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh meringue topping before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought lemon curd?

Absolutely! While homemade lemon curd brings unmatched brightness, a good-quality store-bought curd works beautifully for convenience.

How do I keep my cheesecake from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the batter and use a water bath when baking. Letting the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven also helps prevent cracks.

Can I use a different citrus fruit?

Yes! Lime or orange juice and zest can be substituted for lemon to create new versions of this dessert.

What if I don’t have a torch for the meringue?

No problem. Use your oven’s broiler for a few minutes. Just watch it closely to avoid burning.

Do I need to strain the lemon curd?

If you prefer a silky-smooth texture, straining is a good idea—especially if your curd has zest or coagulated bits.

Is this gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. The filling and toppings are naturally gluten-free.

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Want More Cheesecake Ideas with a Twist?

If this Lemon Curd Meringue Cheesecake Bliss made your tastebuds sing, you’ll want to try these other creative cheesecake-inspired treats from Life With Jam:

• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups for a fruity, bite-sized twist.
• Caramel Cheesecake Cookies if you love gooey caramel layered with tangy cheesecake.
• Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow for a no-bake snackable version of your favorite dessert.
• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies that melt in your mouth with a rich, creamy center.
• Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes for a citrusy alternative that’s perfectly portioned.

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And when you make it, let me know how yours turned out! Did you go all in with a tall meringue swirl? Or keep it simple with a light topping? Tag me and share your version.

You can also check out even more sweet inspiration on my Pinterest page: Life with Jam on Pinterest

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