Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- Β½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- Β½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Lemon slices
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (177Β°C). Line a regular-sized muffin pan with paper liners.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Place 1-2 tablespoons of the crumb mixture into each muffin cup. Firmly press down with a 1/3 cup measure or similar tool.
- Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth (1-2 minutes).
- Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon juice.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until the yolk breaks. Be careful not to overbeat to avoid air bubbles and cracking.
- Evenly distribute the cheesecake batter among the muffin cups, filling them to the top.
Bake:
- Bake for 15-17 minutes or until the centers are just slightly jiggly.
- Let the cheesecakes cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, loosely covered with plastic wrap.
Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Serve:
- Top each mini cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with a slice of lemon before serving.
Notes
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (including chilling) | Servings: 12
These Mini Lemon Cheesecakes are a perfect refreshing dessert, with a creamy texture and a bright lemony flavor, sure to impress at any gathering! πβ¨