Jump to Recipe Print RecipeWalking through the farmers’ market, I was captivated by the vibrant, sunny lemons on display. Their bright aroma whispered promises of zesty happiness, immediately inspiring me to whip up something special. Enter the Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups—a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and tangy lemon curd that practically dances on your palate. These no-bake treats are a breeze to prepare, making them the perfect choice for effortless entertaining or a sweet pick-me-up at home. Plus, their charming mini format means you can enjoy a satisfying dessert without the guilt of overindulging. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds! Are you ready to bring a touch of sunshine to your kitchen? Let’s dive into this delightful adventure! Why Are These Cheesecake Cups a Must-Try? Irresistible Flavor: The tangy lemon curd paired with creamy cheesecake creates an explosion of flavor that is both refreshing and indulgent. Effortless Preparation: Without the need for baking, you can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for spontaneous gatherings or quiet evenings at home. Elegant Presentation: Served in mini cups, these desserts are not only delicious but also visually stunning, sure to wow your guests at any occasion. Versatile Options: Add a layer of fresh berries or switch up the citrus with lime or orange for an exciting twist—customize to your taste! Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Their mini size allows you to enjoy a sweet treat while keeping guilt at bay, making every bite feel delightful yet sensible. Elevate your dessert game with these Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups—your future self will thank you! Lemon Curd Cheesecake Ingredients • Perfect for a zesty treat! For the Lemon Curd • Lemon Juice – Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor. • Sugar – Superfine sugar blends better for a smoother curd. • Eggs – Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsification. • Unsalted Butter – Always cut into small cubes for easier melting. For the Cheesecake Mousse • Sugar (superfine) – Choose superfine for quicker dissolving. • Cream Cheese – Room temperature cream cheese is recommended for smooth mixing. • Heavy Cream – Whip until stiff peaks form for the best texture. For the Crumb Base • Graham Crackers – Substitute with chocolate cookies for a richer flavor. • Reserved Butter – Ensure it’s melted for easy incorporation with the crumbs. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Curd In a medium saucepan, whisk together fresh lemon juice, superfine sugar, and room temperature eggs off the heat until smooth. Add the cubed unsalted butter, then place the saucepan over low-medium heat. Stir continuously for about 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve, cover with cling wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. Step 2: Make the Crumb Base While your lemon curd chills, process the graham crackers in a food processor until you achieve fine crumbs, resembling sand. In a separate bowl, mix the crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated. This mixture should hold together when pressed. Reserve a small amount of crumbs for garnishing before transferring the rest to mini dessert cups, packing them down firmly to form a sturdy base. Step 3: Create the Cheesecake Mousse In a large mixing bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese and superfine sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually fold in the prepared lemon curd, mixing gently until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then carefully fold it into the cream cheese mixture until the mousse is thick and fluffy. Step 4: Assemble the Dessert Cups Begin assembling your Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups by piping or spooning half of the cheesecake mousse over the prepared graham cracker base in each cup. Next, add a layer of the chilled lemon curd, followed by the remaining cheesecake mousse. Use a piping bag with a decorative tip for a beautiful finish on top, ensuring even distribution for an elegant presentation. Step 5: Garnish and Chill Sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs over the tops of the assembled dessert cups for a crunchy garnish. Refrigerate the cups for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the mousse to firm up. This chilling time enhances the overall texture of your Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups, making them a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion! Make Ahead Options These Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can prepare the lemon curd up to 24 hours in advance, allowing it to chill and develop its rich, tangy flavor. Simply follow the recipe instructions to make the curd, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can prepare the graham cracker crumb base up to 3 days ahead; just seal it in a bag or container and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, quickly assemble the dessert cups by layering the prepped mousse and curd. This way, you save precious time, ensuring your dessert is just as delightful as if made fresh that day! What to Serve with Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups Delightful pairings can elevate your Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups into a full meal experience, showcasing all the flavors of a sunny day. Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries adds a refreshing burst that complements the richness of the cheesecake. Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint adds a crisp herbal note, enhancing the zesty flavors of lemon in your dessert. Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of dark chocolate creates a decadent contrast to the bright lemon curd, making each bite a little more indulgent. Coconut Whipped Cream: The fluffy texture and subtle sweetness enhance the dessert, giving it a tropical feel that pairs beautifully with the lemon. Sparkling Water with Citrus: A glass of bubbly water flavored with slices of lemon or lime maintains a light palate and complements the dessert’s citrusy notes. Almond Cookies: The nutty flavor and crunchy texture of almond cookies can contrast nicely with the creamy cheesecake cups. Iced Tea (Mint or Citrus): A refreshing iced tea offers a cooling effect and its crispness balances the tanginess of the dessert. Lemon Sorbet: For an additional layer of lemony delight, serve a scoop of lemon sorbet alongside the dessert—the perfect palate cleanser! Lemon Curd Cheesecake Variations Feel free to explore these delightful variations that will brighten your Lemon Curd Cheesecake experience! Berry Boost: Add a layer of fresh strawberries or blueberries between the mousse and lemon curd for a pop of color and flavor. The sweet-tart berries complement the lemon beautifully. Citrus Swap: Substitute lime or orange juice in your lemon curd for a unique citrus twist. Lime adds a tangy kick, while orange brings a sweet, fragrant note. Tropical Layer: Introduce crushed pineapple or chopped mango to the cheesecake for a tropical flavor layer. These fruits add a luscious sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the tangy lemon. Herb Infusion: Infuse the lemon curd with fresh herbs like basil or mint. A hint of mint gives a refreshing touch, making each bite even more invigorating. Nutty Crunch: Mix finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, into your crumb base for an added texture. The nutty crunch will balance the creamy cheesecake layers perfectly. Chocolate Delight: Swap out the graham crackers for chocolate cookies in your crumb base. This creates a decadent chocolate twist that harmonizes with the lemon curd’s zestiness. Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cheesecake mousse. It’s a surprising addition that brings warmth and complexity to your dessert. Layered Parfaits: Instead of mini cups, create layered parfaits using a glass dish to showcase the beautiful layers of your cheesecake, lemon curd, and garnishes. It’s not just tasty; it’s a feast for the eyes too! With these exciting options, your Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups can be as dynamic as your cravings. Happy experimenting, and don’t forget to serve them chilled alongside a delicious Fruity Pebbles Cheesecake for a colorful dessert spread! How to Store and Freeze Lemon Curd Cheesecake Fridge: Store any leftover Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will ensure they stay fresh and delicious. Freezer: If you need to freeze them, place the assembled cups in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, but note that the texture may slightly change after thawing. Thawing: To enjoy frozen cheesecake cups, transfer them to the fridge to thaw overnight before serving. This gradual thawing helps maintain the creamy texture. Reheating: These mini desserts are best served chilled and do not require reheating. Simply take them out from the fridge or freezer and enjoy their refreshing flavor! Expert Tips for Lemon Curd Cheesecake Perfect Your Curd: Use the freshest lemons you can find; their brightness will make a world of difference in your lemon curd’s flavor. Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth cheesecake mousse, always let your cream cheese and eggs sit at room temperature before mixing. Chill Time Matters: Don’t rush the chilling process! Allowing your assembled dessert cups to chill for at least an hour achieves the best texture and flavor melding. Avoid Gummy Texture: When whipping your heavy cream, watch for stiff peaks to form; overwhipping can lead to a grainy texture in your mousse. Customize Your Base: Experiment with different types of cookies for your crumb base; a chocolate cookie base adds a delightful twist to the classic lemon curd cheesecake flavor. Presentation is Key: Use a piping bag with a decorative nozzle to layer your mousse and lemon curd beautifully in the cups, elevating the visual appeal for your guests! Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe lemons for my lemon curd? Absolutely! Select lemons that are bright yellow and feel heavy for their size; this indicates juiciness. Avoid lemons with dark spots or blemishes, as they can indicate overripeness. How long can I store the leftover dessert cups? You can keep your Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep them chilled to maintain their delightful texture! Can I freeze these dessert cups? Yes, you can! Place the assembled Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups in a freezer-safe container, and they will last up to 2 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply transfer them to the refrigerator overnight before enjoying them to retain their creamy consistency. What if my cheesecake mousse isn’t thickening? No worries! If your mousse isn’t thickening, make sure your heavy cream is whipped until stiff peaks form; this is crucial for creating that fluffy texture. If it’s still runny, you can gently re-whip the mixture or chill it for a bit longer before serving. Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? Great question! This recipe is not gluten-free due to the graham crackers, but you can substitute them with gluten-free cookies for a similar crumb base. Also, for egg allergies, consider using egg substitutes in the lemon curd, but the texture may vary. How far in advance can I make the lemon curd? You can prepare the lemon curd up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve with time, becoming more vibrant and zesty! Lemon Curd Cheesecake Cups That Brighten Your Day A refreshing no-bake dessert featuring creamy cheesecake and tangy lemon curd in charming mini cups—perfect for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 32 minutes mins Servings: 6 cupsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 290 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Lemon Curd1/2 cup fresh lemon juice1/2 cup superfine sugar3 large eggs at room temperature1/4 cup unsalted butter cut into small cubesFor the Cheesecake Mousse1/4 cup superfine sugar8 oz cream cheese room temperature1 cup heavy cream whipped to stiff peaksFor the Crumb Base1 cup graham cracker crumbs1/4 cup reserved butter melted Equipment saucepanFood processorMixing bowlsElectric Mixerpiping bag Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a medium saucepan, whisk together fresh lemon juice, superfine sugar, and room temperature eggs off the heat until smooth. Add the cubed unsalted butter, then place the saucepan over low-medium heat. Stir continuously for about 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve, cover with cling wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.While your lemon curd chills, process the graham crackers in a food processor until you achieve fine crumbs, resembling sand. In a separate bowl, mix the crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated. Reserve a small amount of crumbs for garnishing before packing the rest in mini dessert cups to form a sturdy base.In a large mixing bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese and superfine sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually fold in the prepared lemon curd, mixing gently until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then carefully fold it into the cream cheese mixture until thick and fluffy.Begin assembling your dessert cups by piping or spooning half of the cheesecake mousse over the prepared graham cracker base in each cup. Next, add a layer of the chilled lemon curd, followed by the remaining cheesecake mousse. Use a piping bag with a decorative tip for a beautiful finish.Sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs over the tops for garnish. Refrigerate the cups for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and mousse to firm up. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 2mg NotesFor the best flavor, use the freshest lemons you can find. Ensure that cheesecake ingredients are at room temperature for optimal texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
