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Easy Creamy No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Cups

no-bake lemon cheesecake cups - featured image

A quick and refreshing no-bake lemon cheesecake dessert with a creamy filling and buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for summer gatherings and warm days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 12 lemons)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ⅔ cup heavy cream, cold
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Fresh berries (optional, for garnish)
  • Thin lemon slices or candied lemon peel (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar if using. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated and hold together when pressed, about 3 minutes.
  2. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the crust mixture into each serving cup. Press down gently to create an even layer. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to set.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes using a mixer on medium speed.
  4. Slowly add powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
  5. Stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix gently to combine, tasting to balance tartness and sweetness.
  6. In a separate chilled bowl, whip cold heavy cream until soft peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.
  7. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in three additions to keep the filling light and fluffy.
  8. Spoon or pipe the lemon cheesecake filling over the chilled crust layers in the cups. Smooth the tops.
  9. Refrigerate the assembled cups for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and filling to firm.
  10. Just before serving, garnish with fresh berries or thin lemon slices. Serve cold.

Notes

Soften cream cheese well before mixing to avoid lumps. Whip cream separately and fold gently to keep filling light and airy. Chill crust before filling to prevent sogginess. Lemon zest before juicing for best flavor. Can prepare a day ahead and add fresh toppings before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake, lemon cheesecake, summer dessert, easy dessert, creamy, quick dessert, lemon, cheesecake cups