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A mini lemon cheesecake topped with lemon curd and a swirl of whipped cream, with more mini cheesecakes in the background.

Mini Lemon Cheesecakes

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  • Author: Julianne Dell
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 3 hours
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 15-16 cheesecakes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Smooth and creamy mini lemon cheesecakes are the perfect bite-sized summer treat, topped with whipped cream and homemade lemon curd. 


Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cups (112g) Graham cracker crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 ounces (452g) full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (48g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (60g) sour cream, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) lemon extract
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature

For the Toppings (optional):

  • 1 cup (236ml) heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup (65g) powdered sugar
  • 2/3 cup (213g) lemon curd (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with baking liners.
  2. Grind the graham crackers into a fine crumb using a food processor or blender, combine with the melted butter, and stir until well combined.
  3. Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon of the crust mixture into each cupcake liner, and press into the pan with a spoon. Set aside.
  4. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until well combined and free of any lumps, scraping down the bowl as needed. Next beat in the sour cream, lemon zest, juice, and extract, beating until well combined.
  5. Finally beat in the eggs until well combined and smooth.
  6. Use a large cookie scoop (or ¼ cup measuring cup) to spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners. A heaping cooking scoop should fill the liners nearly full, leaving about ¼-inch at the top.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes. The centers of the cheesecake should be slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan. Then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours prior to serving. Keep stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Add toppings prior to serving.

For the topping: 

  1. Add a dollop of lemon curd on top of each cheesecake.
  2. Prepare the whipped cream. Place the mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes to chill. Pour the heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl and use an electric mixer to beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks start to form. Slowly add the powdered sugar and continue beating on high speed until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spoon onto chilled cheesecakes.


Notes

  • You’ll need 2-3 medium or 1-2 large lemons for the zest.
  • Lemon extract can be substituted with extra lemon juice.
  • Use homemade lemon curd or store-bought for a pop of lemon flavor

Storing

    • Fridge: These mini lemon cheesecakes must be kept in the fridge. Store them airtight for up to 3-4 days. 

    • Freezer: Alternatively, you can freeze your mini cheesecakes for up to 3 months. I recommend leaving off the toppings if you plan on freezing your cheesecakes. Thaw the frozen cheesecakes overnight in the fridge and then decorate them before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 277
  • Sugar: 14.4 g
  • Sodium: 135.7 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18.3 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 4.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 123.2 mg