Hey, Kitchies! 🍋🍰 If you love luscious, creamy cheesecake, the zing of fresh lemon, and the sweet-tart burst of raspberries, this Heavenly Lemon Raspberry Meringue Cheesecake is about to steal your heart! Topped with a light, fluffy toasted meringue, this dessert is the perfect combination of silky, tangy, sweet, and crunchy—a true showstopper for any occasion.
I first made this cheesecake for a family gathering, thinking it would be a fun twist on the classic lemon meringue pie. Little did I know, it would become one of the most requested desserts ever! My husband took one bite and immediately declared it “the best cheesecake you’ve ever made” (and trust me, he’s tried many!). The balance of creamy lemon cheesecake, tart raspberry swirls, and airy meringue makes every bite pure bliss.
The best part? It looks elegant and fancy, yet it’s totally doable at home. Whether you’re making this for a holiday, a birthday, or just because you deserve an amazing cheesecake, this recipe will never disappoint!
Why This Lemon Raspberry Meringue Cheesecake is So Special
✅ Perfectly Balanced Flavors – Sweet, tart, creamy, and light all at once.
✅ The Ultimate Texture Combination – Silky cheesecake, crunchy crust, and fluffy toasted meringue.
✅ Show-Stopping Dessert – Gorgeous and elegant for any occasion.
✅ Homemade Raspberry Swirl – No artificial flavors, just pure fruit goodness!
✅ Toasted Meringue Magic – A light, cloud-like topping that melts in your mouth.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake
✔️ Creamy & Smooth – The perfect, rich cheesecake texture.
✔️ Sweet & Tangy – Bright lemon flavor with bursts of fresh raspberries.
✔️ Light-as-Air Meringue – A delicate, toasted topping for extra elegance.
✔️ Beautiful Presentation – Looks straight out of a bakery!
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for planning ahead for events.
Cuisine: American / French-Inspired
Tips for the Best Lemon Raspberry Meringue Cheesecake
🍋 Use Fresh Lemon Juice – It makes a huge difference in flavor!
🍰 Don’t Overbake – The center should have a slight jiggle when done.
❄️ Chill Overnight – For the creamiest texture, let the cheesecake fully chill before adding meringue.
🔥 Torch for the Best Meringue – A kitchen torch gives the most even toasting!
🍓 Use a Seedless Raspberry Sauce – For a smoother texture in the cheesecake.
Substitutions and Variations
🌱 Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
🥭 Try a Different Fruit Swirl: Swap raspberries for strawberries, blueberries, or mango puree.
🍯 Honey Meringue Twist: Replace sugar in the meringue with honey for a floral sweetness.
🍫 Lemon Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake: Melt ½ cup white chocolate into the cheesecake batter.
Make a Healthier Version
🍯 Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream for a lighter filling.
🌿 Reduce Sugar – Cut the sugar in the cheesecake by ¼ cup for a less sweet version.
🥥 Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut cream cheese and coconut yogurt instead of dairy.
And there you have it!
A Heavenly Lemon Raspberry Meringue Cheesecake that’s bright, creamy, and absolutely irresistible! Whether you’re making it for a special event or just because you deserve a slice of happiness, this cheesecake is sure to wow everyone at the table.
🍋 Tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out! 🍰💛
Categories: Dessert, Cheesecake, Special Occasion, Elegant Desserts
Tags: lemon cheesecake, raspberry swirl, toasted meringue, creamy cheesecake, homemade dessert
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Heavenly Lemon Raspberry Meringue Cheesecake – A Dreamy, Tangy Delight!
Description
If you love luscious, creamy cheesecake, the zing of fresh lemon, and the sweet-tart burst of raspberries, this Heavenly Lemon Raspberry Meringue Cheesecake is about to steal your heart!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed digestive biscuits)
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
For the Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Swirl:
- ½ cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Meringue Topping:
- 2 egg whites
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then let cool while making the filling.
2. Make the Raspberry Swirl:
- In a small saucepan, heat raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat until the berries break down.
- Mash the raspberries and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Strain the mixture through a sieve to remove seeds (optional). Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Stir in sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble & Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
- Spoon small dollops of the raspberry sauce over the top and gently swirl with a knife.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 45-50 minutes, until the center is just set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracks.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before adding the meringue.
5. Make the Meringue & Toast It:
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar while beating, until glossy stiff peaks form.
- Beat in vanilla extract.
- Spread the meringue over the chilled cheesecake, swirling it beautifully.
- Use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the meringue, or place under a broiler for 30-60 seconds (watch closely!).
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Slice and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
