Ingredients
Method
Make the crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press this mixture into a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Allow it to cool completely.
Prepare the cheesecake batter
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add in the sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until well combined.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring everything is mixed together smoothly.
- Finally, add the sour cream and mix until fully combined.
Bake the cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the cooled crust and gently drop in the fresh raspberries.
- Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and crack the door, letting the cheesecake cool for about an hour.
Make the meringue
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the meringue over the cheesecake, creating lovely peaks.
- Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and return the cheesecake for another 8-10 minutes, until the meringue turns golden brown.
Cool and serve
- Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Just before serving, garnish with extra raspberries.
Notes
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to three days. Allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually prevents cracking.
