Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love these Mini Lemon Cheesecakes because they’re perfectly portioned, and the combination of tangy lemon and creamy cheesecake is simply irresistible. The graham cracker crust adds a buttery crunch that complements the smooth filling, while the lemon zest and juice give it a refreshing burst of citrus flavor. They’re easy to make, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can make them ahead of time, making them a great option for parties or gatherings when you need a hassle-free, yet elegant, dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

• ¼ cup melted butter

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• ¼ cup sour cream

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of muffin tin cups.

3. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

4. Bake the Cheesecakes: Spoon the filling evenly over the crusts in the muffin tin. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the centers are set.

5. Cool the Cheesecakes: Let the cheesecakes cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to firm up.

6. Serve and Enjoy: For extra flavor and a pretty presentation, you can add a thin slice of lemon on top before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 12 mini cheesecakes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling time)

Variations

• Extra Lemon Flavor: For an even stronger lemon taste, you can add a bit more lemon juice or zest into the filling. A thin slice of lemon on top adds a nice touch of flavor and a burst of color.

• Fruit Topping: Fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries make a great topping to balance the lemon’s tartness.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make the crust gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze them! Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular cupcake liners?

Yes, cupcake liners are a great way to make the cheesecakes easier to remove from the pan. Just be sure to grease them lightly if you don’t use non-stick liners.

Can I make this recipe without sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar texture and flavor. You can also use regular yogurt if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I make these mini cheesecakes ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, they taste even better after chilling in the fridge for a couple of hours, or even overnight.

How do I know when the mini cheesecakes are done?

The cheesecakes should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. If a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a small amount of filling, they’re ready to come out of the oven.

Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, if you prefer, you can swap the graham cracker crust for a cookie crust (e.g., chocolate wafer cookies) or a shortbread cookie crust for a unique twist.

Conclusion

These Mini Lemon Cheesecakes are the perfect dessert for any occasion—easy to make, deliciously creamy, and bursting with refreshing lemon flavor. With their individual servings, they’re perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat at the end of a meal. The tangy lemon filling and buttery graham cracker crust create a perfect balance that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

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