Description
These No-Bake Lemon Cream Cheese Pie Cups are a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth, tangy lemon cream cheese filling. Perfect for warm days or whenever you want a quick but elegant treat, these individual cups are adorned with fresh berries, mint leaves, and crunchy nuts for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip
Toppings
- Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries)
- Mint leaves
- Lemon slices or additional lemon zest
- Chopped pistachios or toasted almonds
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a bowl. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bases of individual cups or small jars, creating an even, buttery layer.
- Make the filling: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest while mixing to achieve a creamy, tangy filling. Gently fold in whipped cream to lighten the mixture without deflating it.
- Assemble the cups: Spoon or pipe the lemon cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared crust in each cup. Smooth the tops with a spatula or the back of a spoon for a polished appearance.
- Chill: Cover the cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up to an ideal consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, add your choice of toppings such as fresh mint leaves, berries, or lemon slices to enhance both presentation and flavor. Serve chilled for the best experience.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and whipped cream with vegan alternatives.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright and natural lemon flavor.
- Allowing the cups to chill longer (up to 4 hours) improves texture and flavor melding.
- Graham cracker crumbs can be substituted with crushed digestive biscuits or gluten-free cookies if desired.
- If you prefer a firmer crust, consider pre-baking the crust for 5 minutes at 350°F before assembling the filling.
