Description
These Mini Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes are the perfect bite-sized dessert! With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy lemon-infused cheesecake, and a fluffy meringue topping, they deliver the ideal balance of sweet and tangy. Whether for a party or a personal treat, these mini delights will be a hit! Plus, they look gorgeous topped with that toasted meringue!
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Meringue:
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Press into muffin tin liners and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, lemon juice, zest, and salt. Mix until creamy.
- Fill the Crusts:
- Pour cheesecake filling into each muffin cup, about 3/4 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes until centers are just set. Cool completely.
- Prepare the Meringue:
- Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble and Brown Meringue:
- Top each cooled cheesecake with meringue. Lightly brown using a kitchen torch or broiler. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in your cheesecake filling.
- When toasting the meringue, keep a close eye on it if using the broiler, as it can burn quickly!
- You can make these mini cheesecakes a day ahead and top with meringue before serving.
- For an extra lemony kick, add a bit more zest to the cheesecake filling!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
