Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake

Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake Recipe from New Zealand

Region / culture: New Zealand | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. The addition of a fluffy meringue topping adds a light and airy finish to this decadent treat.

History

The origins of Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake can be traced back to the classic lemon meringue pie, a popular dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This recipe puts a unique twist on the traditional pie by incorporating a creamy cheese cake filling, creating a delicious fusion of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

2 cups graham cracker crumbs or tea biscuit crumbs
0.25 cup melted butter
8 oz (227 g) cream cheese
1 (8 oz (227 g)) can condensed milk
2 eggs (separated)
1 grated lemon rind
0.5 cup lemon juice
0.5 cup caster sugar (fine grain sugar)

How to prepare

Combine biscuits and butter.
Press the mixture into a 20 cm (9 inches) pie dish, making sure to bring it up the sides.
Place the dish in the fridge to chill while preparing the filling.
Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
Add condensed milk, lemon rind, and lemon juice. Then, add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Pour the filling into the crust (note: the filling will be runny).
Whip the egg whites until stiff, then gradually add the castor sugar.
Place spoonfuls of the egg white mixture all over the lemon filling and smooth it out to cover the entire surface.
Create your own design using a pecking technique.
Bake for 10 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F.
Chill the pie well before serving.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding a layer of fresh berries on top of the cheese cake filling before adding the meringue topping.
You can also experiment with different citrus flavors, such as lime or orange, to create a unique variation of this dessert.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the pie well before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the filling to set properly.

- When whipping the egg whites for the meringue topping, make sure that your bowl and beaters are clean and free of any grease to ensure that the egg whites whip up properly.

- To create a beautiful design on the meringue topping, use a spoon to create peaks and swirls before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake chilled with a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat. Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include mixing, pressing, beating, pouring, whipping, baking, and chilling.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a slightly different flavor profile.

- You can also use graham crackers or digestive biscuits in place of the crumbs for the crust.

Make Ahead Tips

Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

To make your Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake even more visually appealing, garnish it with lemon zest, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. You can also serve it on a decorative cake stand for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a special occasion dessert. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of lemonade or iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the addition of fresh lemon juice in the recipe. It also contains calcium and iron from the cream cheese and eggs.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese, butter, eggs) and gluten (crumbs), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. With a fluffy meringue topping and a buttery crumb crust, this dessert is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy a slice of this decadent treat with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly indulgent experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Evelyn for our weekly afternoon tea. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on Earl Grey and nibbling on homemade scones, she suddenly pulled out a tattered old cookbook from her shelf.

"Margaret, you simply must try this Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake recipe," Evelyn exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's a family favorite and I know you'll love it."

I eagerly flipped through the pages of the cookbook, my fingers tracing the faded words and stained pages. The recipe for Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake caught my eye immediately. It was a tantalizing combination of tangy lemon curd, creamy cheesecake, and fluffy meringue topping. I could practically taste it just by reading the ingredients.

Evelyn had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She recounted how her grandmother used to make the cake for special occasions, like birthdays and holidays. The Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake was a beloved tradition in their family, and Evelyn had mastered the recipe with skill and expertise.

I was determined to learn how to make the cake myself, so Evelyn graciously agreed to teach me. We spent the afternoon in her kitchen, gathering the ingredients and carefully following the steps of the recipe. I watched in awe as Evelyn effortlessly whipped up the lemon curd, blended the cream cheese filling, and expertly folded in the meringue.

As the cake baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of citrus and vanilla, Evelyn shared stories of her grandmother and the memories they had shared over this special dessert. I listened intently, feeling a deep connection to Evelyn and her family through the simple act of baking.

When the Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake was finally finished, I couldn't wait to taste it. The first bite was pure bliss - the tart lemon curd perfectly balanced the rich cheesecake, while the light and airy meringue added a delightful crunch. It was a symphony of flavors and textures that danced on my taste buds.

From that day on, the Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and any occasion that called for a special dessert. Each time I baked the cake, I felt a sense of connection to Evelyn and her grandmother, as if their love and memories were baked into every slice.

Over the years, I have continued to refine the recipe, adding my own personal touch and experimenting with different variations. I have shared the recipe with friends and loved ones, passing on the tradition of the Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake to the next generation.

As I look back on that fateful day in Evelyn's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe and the memories it has brought into my life. The Lemon Meringue Cheese Cake is more than just a dessert - it is a symbol of friendship, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we love. And for that, I am forever grateful.