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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Cheesecake Filling: Craft a smooth, velvety cheesecake batter and delicately pour over cooled crusts, filling each liner approximately three-quarters full.
- 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.
- Lemon Curd Layer: Spread a vibrant, zesty lemon curd across the surface of each mini cheesecake, creating a tangy flavor contrast.
- Meringue Topping: Whip egg whites and sugar into luxurious, stiff peaks, then pipe decorative swirls atop the lemon curd layer.
- 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