Zesty Mini Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes Recipe: Sweet Tiny Treats

Delicate and tangy mini lemon meringue cheesecakes bring a burst of sunshine to any dessert table.

These bite-sized treats combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with zesty lemon flavor and cloud-like meringue topping.

Each miniature dessert packs a delightful punch of sweet and tart notes that dance across your palate.

Small yet spectacular, these individual cheesecakes offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

The crisp graham cracker crust provides a satisfying crunch beneath the silky smooth cheesecake filling.

Topped with a golden, pillowy meringue that caramelizes to perfection, these little desserts are sure to impress.

Dive into this simple yet elegant recipe that promises to be the star of any gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 11

What’s In Mini Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crispy, sweet foundation that complements the creamy cheesecake filling.
• Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps the crust hold its shape when baked.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy base that defines the classic cheesecake texture.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and adds sweetness to the filling.
• Eggs: Bind the filling and provide structure, ensuring a creamy, stable consistency.
• Lemon Zest: Infuses bright, citrusy notes that elevate the entire dessert.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the flavor profile of the cheesecake.

• Egg Whites: Whipped to create a light, fluffy topping with a glossy finish.
• Sugar: Stabilizes the egg whites and adds sweetness to the meringue.
• Cream of Tartar: Helps stabilize the egg whites, ensuring a smooth and sturdy meringue.

Tools To Bake Mini Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes

• Muffin Tin: 12-cup standard size for perfectly portioned mini cheesecakes.
• Cupcake Liners: Essential for easy removal and neat presentation.
• Small Bowl: For mixing graham cracker crust ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: To ensure precise ingredient amounts.
• Spatula or Spoon: For mixing and pressing crust mixture.
• Oven: To bake the graham cracker crust base.

How To Make Mini Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes Simple

• Crust Foundation

Create a buttery base using crushed graham crackers mixed with sugar. Press the mixture firmly into each cupcake liner, forming a solid foundation for the mini cheesecakes.

• Oven Preparation

Warm the oven to a gentle 325F, creating the perfect environment for baking delicate desserts. The consistent temperature will help your mini treats cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden color.

• Baking Technique

Quickly bake the crust for a few moments to set its structure. This brief time in the oven will help solidify the graham cracker base, ensuring a crisp and sturdy bottom for your lemon meringue cheesecakes.

Tips For Fluffy Mini Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes

• Zesty Lemon Swap: Replace standard lemons with Meyer lemons for a sweeter, less tart flavor profile that adds subtle complexity to your mini cheesecakes.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these mini desserts up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, keeping the meringue separate until just before serving to maintain its crisp texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs like almond or coconut-based cookies to create a delicious alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Torching Technique: Use a kitchen torch for perfectly golden and lightly caramelized meringue peaks instead of broiling, which provides more control and a more even browning effect on the delicate topping.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use coconut whipped cream for the meringue to create a completely dairy-free version that still maintains the rich, creamy texture of the original recipe.

Serving Mini Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes With Style

• Zesty Lemon Garnish: Top each mini cheesecake with a small candied lemon slice or a delicate twist of fresh lemon peel for a bright, citrusy visual appeal.
• Creamy Texture Companion: Serve alongside a dollop of fresh whipped cream to enhance the rich, smooth texture of the cheesecake and provide a light contrast.
• Elegant Presentation Trick: Dust the mini cheesecakes with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving to create an elegant, professional-looking finish that adds a touch of sweetness.
• Flavor Pairing Delight: Complement these mini desserts with a small glass of chilled moscato or a light herbal tea to balance the tangy lemon and creamy cheesecake flavors.

Keep Mini Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes Chilled Just Right

• Fridge-Ready Storage: Seal these delightful mini cheesecakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Stack them carefully with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture and flavor.
• Crumb Crust Care: Keep leftover graham cracker crust mixture in a sealed container at room temperature for future baking projects. It'll stay fresh for about a week when stored in a cool, dry spot.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the cheesecake base and crust a day before your event. Store the baked crusts and cooled cheesecake filling separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and add meringue topping just before serving to maintain peak freshness and crisp meringue texture.

Tangy Mini Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Luscious mini lemon meringue cheesecakes combine tangy citrus with creamy richness. Delicate graham cracker crusts and silky meringue topping create an irresistible dessert you’ll savor with pure joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 cup (120 g) graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tbsps (60 g) unsalted butter, melted for crust
• 3 tbsps (45 g) granulated sugar for crust
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar for cheesecake
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar for lemon curd
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar for meringue
• 3 tbsps (45 mL) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
• 2 tbsps (30 g) unsalted butter for lemon curd
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp cream of tartar

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Thoroughly blend graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand, then evenly distribute into cupcake liners with gentle pressure.
2. Crust Baking: Toast the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until light golden, then remove and allow to cool completely, ensuring a crisp foundational layer.
3. Cheesecake Filling: Craft a smooth, velvety cheesecake batter and delicately pour over cooled crusts, filling each liner approximately three-quarters full.
4. Initial Baking: Bake mini cheesecakes at 325°F for 15-18 minutes until centers are just set with a subtle wobble, then remove and cool to room temperature.
5. Lemon Curd Layer: Spread a vibrant, zesty lemon curd across the surface of each mini cheesecake, creating a tangy flavor contrast.
6. Meringue Topping: Whip egg whites and sugar into luxurious, stiff peaks, then pipe decorative swirls atop the lemon curd layer.
7. Final Torching: Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the meringue, transforming its surface into a golden-brown, elegantly toasted masterpiece that adds visual and textural complexity.

Notes

• Stabilize Graham Cracker Base: Press crumbs firmly and evenly to create a compact foundation that prevents crumbling and ensures each bite has the perfect crust-to-filling ratio.
• Prevent Cheesecake Cracking: Beat cream cheese at room temperature and avoid overmixing to maintain a smooth, crack-free surface, which guarantees a professional-looking dessert.
• Master Meringue Technique: Whip egg whites at room temperature and add sugar gradually to achieve glossy, stable peaks that hold their shape during torching and won’t deflate quickly.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies, and use lactose-free cream cheese for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg