Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake (Bright, Creamy & Show-Stopping)

If you love bright, zesty desserts with a creamy texture and elegant presentation, Triple Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is the ultimate treat. This dessert layers a buttery graham cracker crust, silky lemon cheesecake filling, and fluffy toasted meringue for a show-stopping finale that’s perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or holidays.

Combining sweet, tart, and airy textures, this cheesecake delivers on flavor and visual appeal. Every bite is a balance of zesty lemon, creamy cheesecake, and delicate meringue peaks that melt in your mouth.

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Why This Cheesecake Stands Out

The “triple” in the name comes from three layers of citrus delight: lemon juice and zest in the cheesecake filling, a thin layer of lemon curd, and a bright meringue topping sprinkled with a touch of lemon.

This dessert is creamy yet airy, tart yet sweet, and perfectly balanced. It’s ideal for anyone craving a citrus-forward dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes.

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Ingredients

Crust:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Lemon Layer:

• ½ cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)

Meringue Topping:

• 3 large egg whites
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• Optional: lemon zest for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake 8–10 minutes. Cool.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in sour cream, flour, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Pour filling over cooled crust. Bake 50–60 minutes until edges are set and center slightly jiggly. Cool for 1 hour.
6. Spread lemon curd evenly over cheesecake.
7. For meringue: beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
8. Spread meringue over cheesecake, creating peaks with a spatula. Toast under broiler 1–2 minutes until golden.
9. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with lemon zest if desired.

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Texture & Flavor Profile

This cheesecake is creamy and smooth, with a tangy lemon brightness throughout. The crust adds buttery crunch, while the meringue is light, sweet, and slightly toasted. The lemon curd layer enhances the citrus flavor, creating a layered dessert that’s decadent, airy, and refreshing.

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Expert Tips

Room-temperature cream cheese: Ensures smooth, lump-free filling.

Don’t overbake: Center should be slightly jiggly; it will firm up while cooling.

Use a water bath: Optional, but prevents cracking.

Toast meringue carefully: Watch closely to avoid burning.

Make ahead: Cheesecake can be refrigerated up to 24 hours before serving.

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Creative Variations

Berry Lemon Cheesecake: Add fresh raspberries or blueberries between layers.

Chocolate Lemon Cheesecake: Swirl melted white chocolate into filling.

Mini Cheesecakes: Bake in muffin tins for single-serve portions.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

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Serving Suggestions

Slice and serve chilled with extra lemon zest or fresh berries. Pairs beautifully with a cup of tea, coffee, or champagne for an elegant dessert presentation.

Perfect for birthdays, brunches, or holiday tables.

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Make-Ahead & Storage

• Cheesecake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Meringue is best fresh but holds for 1 day if covered loosely in the fridge.
• Do not freeze meringue; filling can be frozen without the meringue layer.

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Why This Recipe Works

SEO-wise, keywords like triple lemon meringue cheesecake and citrus meringue cheesecake target dessert searches and seasonal citrus recipes. Culinary-wise, the layered textures, bold lemon flavor, and show-stopping meringue make this dessert both visually and flavorfully impressive.