Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No-Bake: No need to heat up the oven, making them perfect for hot days.
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Refreshing Lemon Flavor: The creamy lemon filling adds a zesty twist to the classic cheesecake.
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Perfect Portions: Mini-sized servings make them great for parties or individual treats.
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Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a straightforward process make these cheesecakes beginner-friendly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 cup graham cracker crumbs
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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16 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup lemon curd
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1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
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Zest of 1 lemon
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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Fresh berries (optional)
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Lemon zest (optional)
Directions
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Prepare the Crust: Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press into the bottom of muffin cups.
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Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add lemon curd, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla, then mix.
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Whip the Cream: Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
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Assemble: Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups, smoothing the tops.
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Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight to set.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh berries and lemon zest if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 12 mini cheesecakes
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Chilling Time: 4 hours
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Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Variations
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Crust Options: Use crushed digestive biscuits or Oreos for a different flavor.
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Lighter Version: Swap to low-fat cream cheese and whipping cream for a lighter dessert.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, try using crushed digestive biscuits or Oreo crumbs for variety.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These mini cheesecakes can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze the cheesecakes for up to a month and thaw before serving.
How long do they need to chill?
For best results, chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.
What can I use instead of lemon curd?
You can substitute with extra lemon zest and juice if you don’t have lemon curd.
Conclusion
No-Bake Lemon Mini Cheesecakes are an easy, flavorful dessert that will wow your guests with their tangy lemon filling and buttery graham cracker crust. They are perfect for any occasion and require minimal effort for maximum enjoyment.
No-Bake Lemon Mini Cheesecakes
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No-Bake Lemon Mini Cheesecakes are a refreshing, easy-to-make dessert with a tangy lemon filling and a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for any occasion, these individual-sized treats are quick to prepare, requiring no baking. The creamy lemon flavor and minimal prep time make them a crowd-pleaser, ideal for parties or a sweet, refreshing treat.
- Author: Amy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Filling:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup lemon curd
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh berries
Lemon zest
Instructions
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Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press this mixture into the bottom of muffin cups to form a crust.
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Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add lemon curd, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
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Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
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Assemble: Spoon the lemon filling into the muffin cups, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
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Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh berries and additional lemon zest, if desired.
Notes
Crust Variations: Try using crushed digestive biscuits or Oreo crumbs for a different flavor.
Lighter Version: Swap to low-fat cream cheese and whipping cream for a lighter option.
Topping Ideas: Add a drizzle of honey, candied ginger, or fresh mint for extra flair.