This Gordon Ramsay’s Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe is a velvety and tangy recipe, which is made with a buttery shortbread crust and bright lemon curd. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 30 minutes of active time.
Jump to RecipeGordon Ramsay’s Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe Ingredients
For the crust:
- 240g shortbread cookie crumbs
- 60g melted butter
For the filling:
- 680g cream cheese (softened)
- 240g sour cream
- 200g sugar
- 4 eggs
- 60ml fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the meringue topping:
- 4 large egg whites
- 50g white sugar
- 1.25g cream of tartar (optional)
- 360g lemon curd
How To Make Gordon Ramsay’s Lemon Meringue Cheesecake
- Make the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a small bowl, mix the shortbread cookie crumbs and melted butter until fully combined. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar with an electric mixer until completely smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Gently stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Bake the cheesecake: Pour the filling over the prepared crust. Bake for 1 hour, or until the center is almost set but still has a slight wobble.
- Cool and chill: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door cracked open for 1 hour. Then, transfer it to the counter to cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Make the meringue: When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and cream of tartar, and continue to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Assemble and toast: Carefully spread the lemon curd over the top of the chilled cheesecake. Spoon or pipe the meringue over the lemon curd, creating decorative swirls. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching closely, until the meringue is beautifully golden brown. Let it cool for at least 1 hour before serving.

Recipe Tips
- How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking? Cracks are usually caused by over-baking or cooling too quickly. To prevent them, don’t overmix the filling (which incorporates too much air), and follow the cooling instructions carefully—letting it cool slowly in the turned-off oven is key.
- How do I know when the cheesecake is done? The cheesecake is ready when the edges are set, but the center 2-3 inches still jiggles slightly like Jell-O when you gently nudge the pan. It will continue to set as it cools.
- How do I get perfect, stiff meringue? Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease. Even a tiny speck of fat (or egg yolk) can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly. The cream of tartar also helps stabilize the meringue.
- Can I use store-bought lemon curd? Absolutely. Using a good-quality store-bought lemon curd is a great time-saver for this recipe.
What To Serve With Lemon Meringue Cheesecake
This cheesecake is a showstopper on its own. It needs very little accompaniment, but it pairs nicely with:
- A handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries
- A cup of black tea or coffee to balance the sweetness
How To Store Lemon Meringue Cheesecake
Refrigerate: This cheesecake must be stored in the refrigerator. Cover it loosely (a cake dome is ideal to protect the meringue) and store for up to 4 days. Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this cheesecake, as the meringue topping does not freeze and thaw well.
Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 317 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Sodium: 250mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Why did my meringue u0022weepu0022 or get watery?
Weeping (when liquid beads form on the meringue) is often caused by undissolved sugar. Make sure you add the sugar to the egg whites gradually and beat until it’s fully dissolved. Spreading the meringue on a cold cheesecake also helps prevent this.
Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?
A springform pan is highly recommended because it allows you to remove the cheesecake easily without damaging it. If you don’t have one, you could try a deep-dish pie plate, but you will have to serve it directly from the dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. The cheesecake base needs to be made at least 4 hours ahead, and it’s even better if made the day before. However, the meringue topping is best made and toasted on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture.
Try More Recipes:
- Gordon Ramsay Lemon Cheesecake Recipe
- Gordon Ramsay Molten Lava Cake Recipe
- Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Cake Swiss Recipe
Gordon Ramsay’s Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: French-AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings30
minutes1
hour10
minutes317
kcalA decadent dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a smooth lemon cheesecake filling, a layer of tart lemon curd, and a toasted meringue topping.
Ingredients
Crust: 240g shortbread crumbs, 60g melted butter.
Filling: 680g cream cheese, 240g sour cream, 200g sugar, 4 eggs, 60ml lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla.
Topping: 4 large egg whites, 50g sugar, 1.25g cream of tartar, 360g lemon curd.
Directions
- Mix crust ingredients and press into a 9-inch springform pan.
- Beat filling ingredients until smooth, pour over the crust, and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 1 hour.
- Cool the cheesecake completely, then chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then add sugar and cream of tartar and beat to stiff, glossy peaks.
- Spread lemon curd over the chilled cheesecake, then top with the meringue.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until the meringue is golden brown.
Notes
- For a crack-free cheesecake, don’t overmix the filling and let it cool down slowly.
- The cheesecake is done when the center still has a slight wobble.
- Ensure your bowl and beaters are completely free of grease for a stable meringue.
- The meringue topping is best made and toasted right before serving.