Description
A delightful harmony of sweet and tangy flavors, this cheesecake is perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- 3 large egg whites
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¾ cup sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the crust. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until everything is well-blended. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, and then allow it to cool.
- Make the cheesecake filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Blend until well combined. Now, gently fold in the raspberries—try not to crush them too much; we want those lovely little bursts of flavor!
- Bake the cheesecake. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another hour to cool gradually, which minimizes cracking.
- Make the meringue. While your cheesecake cools, focus on the meringue. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until the mixture becomes glossy and stiff.
- Top it off. Once the cheesecake has cooled completely, spread the meringue over the top, making some delightful peaks. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the meringue is lightly browned.
- Cool down and serve. Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight). Once ready to serve, slice it up, and watch as everyone swoons over this beautiful dessert!
Notes
You can substitute raspberries with strawberries or blueberries. Ensure the mixing bowl is grease-free for whipping egg whites.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: lemon cheesecake, raspberry dessert, meringue cheesecake