No-Bake Mini Lemon Raspberry Cheesecakes
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Say hello to your new favorite dessert: No-Bake Mini Lemon Raspberry Cheesecakes! These bite-sized beauties are everything you love about cheesecake—creamy, tangy, sweet—with a no-bake twist. Made with a buttery graham cracker crust, a zesty lemon cheesecake filling, and a luscious raspberry topping, they’re as refreshing as they are adorable. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just treating yourself, these mini cheesecakes are the perfect way to indulge without ever turning on the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Oven Required: Perfect for warm days when you’d rather keep the kitchen cool.
- Bite-Sized Bliss: Individual servings make these ideal for parties or portion control.
- Tangy & Sweet: The lemon and raspberry combo is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep them ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
- Easy & Elegant: Minimal effort, maximum wow factor!
Ingredients for No-Bake Mini Lemon Raspberry Cheesecakes
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful little treats:
For the Crust
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: 1 cup (100g) for that classic, buttery crunch.
- Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons (25g) to lightly sweeten the crust.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (60g), melted, to bind it all together.
For the Cheesecake Layer
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz (225g), softened, for a rich and creamy base.
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml), whipped to fluffy perfection.
- Powdered Sugar: 1/4 cup (30g) to sweeten the filling.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) for a bright, tangy kick.
- Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon to round out the flavors.
For the Raspberry Topping
- Raspberries: 1/2 cup (125g), fresh or frozen, for a fruity finish.
- Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons (25g) to sweeten the topping.
- Water: 1 tablespoon to help create the sauce.
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon, mixed with a little water, to thicken the topping.
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh raspberries
- Lemon zest twists
- Whipped cream
How to Make No-Bake Mini Lemon Raspberry Cheesecakes – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each cavity in a mini cheesecake pan or lined muffin tin. Use the back of a spoon to compact it into a firm crust.
- Pop the pan into the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well combined and silky.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
- Spoon or pipe the cheesecake mixture over the chilled crusts, smoothing the tops.
Step 3: Prepare the Raspberry Topping
- In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture starts to simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a teaspoon of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the raspberry mixture and cook for another 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Let the topping cool slightly before spooning it over the cheesecake layer.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Once set, carefully remove them from the pan and garnish with fresh raspberries, lemon zest twists, and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Tips for Perfect Mini Cheesecakes
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the chilling process—it’s what gives the cheesecakes their perfect texture.
- No Mini Cheesecake Pan? Use a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners for easy removal.
- Customize the Topping: Swap raspberries for strawberries, blueberries, or even a mixed berry compote!
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serve Chilled: These mini cheesecakes are best enjoyed straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cheesecakes up to 2 days in advance, but wait to garnish until just before serving.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ for No-Bake Mini Lemon Raspberry Cheesecakes
Can I freeze these mini cheesecakes?
- Yes! Freeze them (without the topping) in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving and add the topping fresh.
What if I don’t have fresh raspberries?
- Frozen raspberries work just as well! Just cook them a little longer to release their juices.
Can I make this recipe in a full-size cheesecake pan?
- Absolutely! Just adjust the chilling time to ensure the larger cheesecake sets properly.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Mini Lemon Raspberry Cheesecakes are everything you could want in a dessert: creamy, tangy, sweet, and oh-so-refreshing. With their crunchy graham cracker crust, velvety lemon filling, and fruity raspberry topping, they’re guaranteed to impress at any gathering—or just make your day a little brighter. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to whip up some bite-sized bliss. You deserve it!