Are you craving a flavourful, zesty and creamy dessert? Try the Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups Recipe!
This no-bake recipe is one that gets perfect party-ready, and it’s going to deliver so much punch in presentations with hardly any effort.
If you are planning a summer gathering or just treating yourself to a little sweetness, these individual cheesecake cups are fabulous.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No-Bake Convenience: No need for turning on an oven, thus preventing your kitchen from heating up on hot summer days.
Individual Servings: Comes in premeasured cups for easy serving at parties or for just controlling how much you eat.
Flavour Explosion: A delightful taste combination that both perfectly counters and balances sweet and tart.
Quick preparation: The dessert can be done in 20 minutes and just requires minimal cleaning up, which makes it a hassle-free enjoyment.
Customizable: Can easily adapt to alternate fruits or different crusts, creating your signature dessert.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
16 oz cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup fresh raspberries
2 tbsp granulated sugar
Fresh raspberries and lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix so that all the crumbs are well coated.
Evenly divide among 12 small cups or jars, pressing down very firmly to make the bottom crust. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
In a blender, puree raspberries with granulated sugar until smooth. Take it through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until fully integrated and fluffy.
Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling into each of the cups prepared, filling each about 3/4 full.
Drizzle 1-2 teaspoons raspberry puree over each cup. With a toothpick, swirl it into the cheesecake filling a marbled effect.
Refrigerate cheesecake cups until set, at least 2 hours.
Before serving, garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon zest.
Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Cups
Room temperature cream cheese: Easing up the cream cheese will ensure that there are no lumps in the smooth filling.
Chill the Crust: Firming up the crust through refrigeration helps it maintain its shape and support when the filling is added.
Pipe it: Filling those cups with cheesecake mixture will make it look all nice and professional when done with a piping bag.
Strain the Puree: This gives the dessert a great look with a smooth and silky texture.
Adjust Sweetness: Add powdered sugar, up to your liking, to make it sweeter after tasting the filling while making it.
Variations and Substitutions
Crust Options: Try some crushed vanilla wafers, Oreos, or gingersnaps rather than graham crackers for a bit of flavour flip.
Fruit Swirls: Change things up by replacing the raspberry puree with blueberry, strawberry, or blackberry purees for a new flavour.
Vegan Version: In addition to the vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, and plant-based butter serve as alternatives to regular ingredients.
Gluten-Free: You can make a gluten-free crust out of gluten-free graham crackers or simply make a crust in almond flour.
Serving Suggestions
Drinks: Desserts must be paired with refreshing iced tea or bubbly sparkling lemonade, which will enhance the flavours and keep things cool.
Occasions: This dessert is great for special occasions; baby shower, bridal shower, summer picnic- it makes any get-together feel bright and fun.
Garnishes: Add a dollop of airy whipped cream, fresh mint leaves, or curl-heavy white chocolate shavings for a finishing touch.
Making-Ahead, Storing and Freezing Instructions
Make-Ahead
The cheesecake cups can be made 2 days in advance.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, garnishing just before serving for freshness.
Storage
Leftover cheesecake cups should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 days.
Keep any garnishes separated to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Freeze cheesecake cups (without garnishes) for up to 1 month in a freezer-friendly container. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, thaw frozen raspberries and before pureeing, remove the excess liquid to avoid a watery swirl.
Can I make these cheesecake cups in advance?
Yes! You can prepare it up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
Can I use a different crust?
Yes, try vanilla wafers or make it a unique nut-based twist for the crust.
Are these cheesecake cups gluten-free?
Gluten-free graham crackers or an almond flour crust would make a gluten-free version.
How do I prevent lumps in the filling?
Let the cream cheese warm to room temperature, and beat until smooth; only then add the other ingredients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups are great for those occasions when you want to make the perfect no-bake dessert.
Better yet, the easy prep and make-ahead options make it all the more easygoing for those busy days.
Try this recipe today and bring your dessert game to the next level!
Read More:- Raspberry Lemon Heaven Cupcakes
Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- Fresh raspberries and lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Combine melted butter with graham cracker crumbs. Divide the mixture amongst 12 cups, press to crust, and refrigerate.
- Puree raspberries with sugar, strain, and reserve.
- Cream the cream cheese with powdered sugar until it is smooth.
- Add heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla. Beat until fluffy and aerated.
- Fill cups with the batter, drizzle some raspberry puree on top, and swirl into the puree using a toothpick.
- Chill for about 2 hours and allow to set.
- Just before serving, top with raspberries and lemon zest.