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- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons sugar - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Fresh berries and mint leaves for garnish You can swap graham cracker crumbs for digestive biscuits if needed. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free crust. If you want a lighter filling, replace cream cheese with ricotta cheese. For a sweeter taste, use honey instead of sugar. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist. Always pick fresh lemons when making these cheesecakes. Look for lemons that feel heavy for their size and have a bright yellow skin. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes. For the best cream cheese, choose a brand that is full-fat and softened. This makes mixing easier and gives a creamy texture. Fresh berries should be firm and vibrant in color. Check for any mold or squished fruit before using. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well until it looks like wet sand. Take about 1 tablespoon of this mixture and press it into each cupcake liner. Bake the crusts for 10 minutes. Let them cool while you make the filling. In a large bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar, mixing well. Then, add 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, the zest of 1 lemon, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well combined. Scrape the bowl's sides to mix thoroughly. Pour the cheesecake filling over each crust, filling them about three-quarters full. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The edges should set, but the centers should still jiggle slightly. After baking, turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecakes cool in the oven for 30 minutes. This helps prevent cracks. Once cooled, refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best taste. Enjoy garnishing them with fresh berries and mint leaves before serving! One main mistake is overbaking the cheesecakes. Keep an eye on them. They should jiggle slightly in the center when done. Another mistake is skipping the cooling step in the oven. This helps prevent cracks. Don't rush to chill them; refrigerate for at least four hours. This waiting makes a big difference in taste and texture. To get a smooth filling, beat your cream cheese well. Make sure it is soft first. This helps mix in the sugar and other ingredients evenly. Use room temperature eggs for a fluffier texture. When you add lemon juice and zest, fold them in gently. Over-mixing can cause air bubbles, which may lead to cracks. For a lovely finish, top each cheesecake with fresh berries. Strawberries and blueberries work great. Add a mint leaf for a pop of color. You can also drizzle some lemon glaze on top. For extra flair, use lemon zest as a sprinkle. Get creative and have fun with your toppings! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. This helps to create a smoother filling without lumps. Prevent Cracks: Cooling the cheesecakes gradually in the oven after baking helps to minimize cracks. Avoid opening the oven door immediately after baking. Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different citrus zest or extracts to the filling for a unique twist on the classic lemon flavor. Garnish Wisely: Fresh berries and mint not only enhance presentation but also add a refreshing taste contrast to the rich cheesecakes. {{image_2}} You can switch up the lemon flavor with many other fruits. Try berries like strawberries or blueberries for a sweet twist. You can also use mango or passion fruit for a tropical vibe. Just replace the lemon juice with the fruit juice and add zest. Each fruit brings its unique taste, making each mini cheesecake a new treat. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cookie crumbs. You can find these in stores or make your own by crushing gluten-free cookies. Almond flour works well too. Mix it with melted butter and sugar, just like the regular crust. This way, you can still enjoy a tasty crust without gluten. To make vegan mini cheesecakes, swap cream cheese for vegan cream cheese. Use coconut cream or cashew cream for a rich texture. Replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. For sweetness, use agave syrup instead of powdered sugar. This way, you get a creamy, tangy treat that everyone can enjoy. To keep your mini lemon cheesecakes fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of wax paper between layers to avoid sticking. Use the fridge for best flavor and texture. If you stack them, do so carefully. In the fridge, these mini cheesecakes stay good for about 5 days. Keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage, like changes in smell or texture. If you notice anything off, it’s best to toss them. You can freeze mini cheesecakes for up to 2 months. To do this, wrap each cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This method keeps them safe and tasty. Yes, you can make these mini cheesecakes a day or two in advance. They store well in the fridge. Just keep them in an airtight container. This makes them perfect for parties or gatherings. The flavors may even improve as they sit. If you don’t have lemon juice, try using lime juice. Lime offers a similar tangy taste. You can also use vinegar, but use less than the lemon juice called for. Another option is to use lemon extract, but adjust the amount to taste. Check the edges when baking. They should be set and look firm. The centers should jiggle slightly, like gelatin. If they look too wobbly, give them more time. After baking, let them cool slowly in the oven to avoid cracks. In this post, we explored how to make mini lemon cheesecakes, covering everything from ingredients to storage. We discussed ingredient swaps, preparation tips, and common mistakes to avoid. You learned how to bake the perfect cheesecakes and even tried different flavors or vegan options. With this guide, you can enjoy delicious mini cheesecakes any time. Remember to store them well, and they will stay fresh for days. Let your creativity shine through in each bite. Happy baking!

Mini Lemon Cheesecakes

Delicious mini cheesecakes with a refreshing lemon flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 unit zest of lemon
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • to taste unit fresh berries and mint leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  • Press about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes and then allow to cool while preparing the filling.
  • In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
  • Add the sour cream, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, eggs, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
  • Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crusts in each cupcake liner, filling them about three-quarters full.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still have a slight jiggle.
  • Turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecakes to cool slowly in the oven for 30 minutes. This will help prevent cracks.
  • Once cooled, refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
  • Before serving, garnish each cheesecake with fresh berries and a mint leaf for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Chill overnight for best results.
Keyword baking, cheesecake, lemon, mini desserts