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Mini Lemon Cheesecakes Recipe

Mini Lemon Cheesecakes Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful mini lemon cheesecakes bring zesty sunshine to dessert tables with creamy, tangy perfection. Compact and elegant, these individual treats promise a refreshing finale that will charm guests at any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) melted butter

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325F (160C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
  2. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend thoroughly with melted butter, creating a uniform mixture.
  3. Gently press the cracker mixture into the bottom of each muffin tin cavity, forming a compact base layer.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
  5. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing completely after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
  6. Fold in sour cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and pure vanilla extract, blending until harmoniously combined.
  7. Carefully distribute the creamy filling over the prepared graham cracker crusts, filling each cup approximately three-quarters full.
  8. Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center that indicates perfect doneness.
  9. Remove from oven and allow cheesecakes to cool naturally at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  10. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 2 hours to set and develop optimal flavor and texture.
  11. Before serving, gently remove cheesecakes from the tin and garnish with optional lemon zest or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

  • Opt for room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends perfectly.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter, which can incorporate too much air and cause cracking during baking.
  • Line muffin tin with paper liners for easy removal and a cleaner presentation of these bite-sized treats.
  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg