Description
Delicate mini lemon meringue cheesecakes combine creamy richness with zesty citrus punch, offering a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Silky smooth cheesecake nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust will make you swoon with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
- 1/3 cup (75 grams) butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup (133 grams) sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) lemon curd
Meringue Topping Ingredients:
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
Instructions
- Craft a delectable base by pulverizing graham crackers with sugar and melted butter, then firmly compress into lined muffin cavities.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar until velvety smooth, incorporating eggs individually to ensure uniform texture and blending lemon juice and vanilla thoroughly.
- Carefully distribute cheesecake mixture over prepared crusts, maintaining even layers.
- Roast in preheated 325F oven for approximately 25 minutes until filling sets with gentle firmness, then allow complete cooling at room temperature.
- Delicately spread a gossamer layer of tangy lemon curd across each miniature cheesecake surface.
- Construct ethereal meringue by whisking egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks emerge, gradually introducing sugar while continuously beating until peaks become stiff and glossy.
- Artfully pipe or dollop meringue atop lemon curd, creating elegant peaks and swirls.
- Return to 325F oven for 10 minutes, allowing meringue to transform into golden-kissed, lightly caramelized peaks.
- Chill thoroughly for minimum two hours, enabling flavors to meld and texture to stabilize before serving these elegant individual desserts.
Notes
- Chill graham cracker crust before adding cheesecake filling to prevent crumbling and ensure a firm, compact base.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smoother, lump-free batter that blends effortlessly and creates a silky texture.
- Avoid overbaking cheesecakes by gently shaking the pan – a slight jiggle in the center indicates perfectly cooked mini desserts.
- Pipe meringue with a star tip for professional-looking swirls and beautiful golden peaks that add visual elegance to these mini treats.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 237 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 102 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 72 mg