Description
Zesty mini no-bake lemon cheesecake tarts bring Mediterranean sunshine to dessert tables with creamy, tangy perfection. Crisp graham cracker crusts and silky lemon filling create an irresistible treat you’ll savor down to the last delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Garnish Ingredients:
- Whipped cream
- Lemon zest
- Fresh berries
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Craft the crumbly foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand.
- Carefully distribute the crumb mixture into mini tart molds, pressing firmly to create a compact and even base layer that will support the creamy filling.
- Refrigerate the molded crusts for approximately 15-20 minutes, allowing them to solidify and develop a sturdy structure.
- Whip cream cheese in a spacious mixing bowl until velvety and free of lumps, gradually incorporating powdered sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, and a hint of vanilla extract.
- In a separate vessel, transform heavy cream into a billowy cloud of stiff peaks using a whisk or electric mixer.
- Delicately integrate the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, utilizing gentle folding techniques to maintain the airy texture and prevent deflation.
- Transfer the luxurious lemon cheesecake filling into the chilled tart shells, using a spoon or piping bag to create elegant, smooth surfaces.
- Refrigerate the assembled tarts for a minimum of two hours, allowing flavors to meld and the filling to set completely.
- Prior to serving, embellish with dollops of whipped cream, additional lemon zest, or a scattering of fresh berries to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.
- Serve these delicate desserts thoroughly chilled for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
- Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free adaptation that maintains a silky texture.
- Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, perfect for low-carb or diabetic-friendly diets.
- Enhance lemon flavor by adding a tablespoon of limoncello or using Meyer lemons for a more complex citrus profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg