Mini Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes

These bite-sized lemon cheesecakes are a perfect balance of tangy lemon curd, creamy cheesecake, and fluffy meringue, making them an ideal Spring dessert! Easy to make and sure to impress, they combine all the flavors of lemon meringue pie in a mini, individual form.

Ingredients

Crust:

24 Nilla wafer cookies

2 ¼ tsp granulated sugar

3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

12 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

2 tbsp sour cream

¼ tsp salt

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest

1 large egg

Lemon Curd:

2 large egg yolks

½ cup granulated sugar

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest

2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed

Meringue:

2 large egg whites

½ cup granulated sugar

⅛ tsp cream of tartar

½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini cheesecake pan.

In a food processor, combine Nilla wafer cookies, granulated sugar, and melted butter.

Divide mixture among cheesecake cavities, using a small cookie scoop to add one portion to each cavity. Press down firmly to create an even layer.

Bake for 5 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

Add sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and mix until combined.

Add egg and mix until the batter is smooth and streak-free.

Spoon a heaping medium scoop of filling into each cheesecake cavity.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheesecakes are set.

Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator for 6-12 hours or more.

Prepare the Lemon Curd:

In a double boiler over simmering water, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter for 8-10 minutes.

Press through a fine mesh strainer into a small bowl to remove any solids.

Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it against the surface to avoid a skin forming, and refrigerate until fully chilled.

Prepare the Meringue:

In a metal bowl over simmering water, combine egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar. Whisk for several minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm.

Transfer the bowl to a stand mixer and beat on low, increasing to high speed until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy (about 5 minutes).

Add vanilla extract and mix well.

Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with your desired tip.

Assemble the Cheesecakes:

Carefully remove the mini cheesecakes from the pan, discarding the disc on the bottom of each.

Using a piping bag or spoon, add 1-2 tsp of lemon curd to the center of each cheesecake.

Pipe the meringue on top of the cheesecakes.

Use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the meringue topping.

Serve:

Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Enjoy your Mini Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes, a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors, all in a bite-sized form!

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