Mini Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes: A Bite-Sized Citrus Delight!”

Mini Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes: A Bite-Sized Citrus Delight!”

Summary:

Mini Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes are the perfect bite-sized dessert that combines the tangy freshness of lemon with the creamy smoothness of cheesecake and the sweet, fluffy texture of meringue. These little treats are sure to be a showstopper at any gathering, offering a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness with a touch of light and airy meringue. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday celebration, a dinner party, or just a sweet snack for yourself, these individual cheesecakes are a delightful way to enjoy the classic flavors of lemon meringue pie in a modern, portable form.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
Servings: 12 mini cheesecakes
Calories per Serving: 320 kcal (approx.)

Courses: Dessert
Cuisines: American, Mediterranean

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 2 cups cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

• For the Lemon Curd:

  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed

• For the Meringue:

  • 3 large egg whites
  • ¼ tsp cream of tartar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare the muffin tin: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to easily remove the cheesecakes later.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

3. Combine the crust ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well-moistened and crumbly.
4. Press the crust into the muffin tin: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture into each muffin cup. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon to create a compact, even layer.
5. Bake the crust: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 8 minutes. Once done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.