Introduction
These No Bake Mini Lemon Raspberry Cheesecakes Easy to make are the perfect individual dessert for any occasion. With a creamy lemon filling, fresh raspberry swirl, and a simple graham cracker crust, they require no oven time and come together in minutes. For another delightful no-bake treat, try these Best Thumbprint Cookies – Easy Jam Cookie Recipe that also feature fruity jam flavors.
Ingredients
These No Bake Mini Lemon Raspberry Cheesecakes come together with bright, zesty lemon and sweet, fresh raspberries for a creamy, refreshing dessert that requires no oven time.
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh raspberries, plus extra for topping
- 1 1/2 cups whipped cream or Cool Whip
Timing
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes (plus chilling) |
Context: These No Bake Mini Lemon Raspberry Cheesecakes are about 20% faster than similar recipes since there’s no baking required.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the Crust
Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a pinch of sugar in a bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened and hold together when pressed.
Press about one tablespoon of the mixture firmly into the bottom of each lined muffin cup. Use the back of a spoon or a small glass to compact it into an even layer.
Step 2 — Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth and lump-free. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Gently fold in the whipped cream or whipped topping until just combined. Overmixing can deflate the mixture, so stop as soon as no white streaks remain.
Step 3 — Add Lemon Flavor
Zest one lemon finely, then juice it to get about two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Add both the zest and juice to the cheesecake filling.
Stir gently to incorporate. Taste and adjust lemon intensity if desired—the flavor should be bright but not overpowering.
Step 4 — Assemble the Cheesecakes
Spoon or pipe the lemon cheesecake filling over the prepared crusts in the muffin liners, filling each nearly to the top. Smooth the tops with a small spatula or knife.
Lightly tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles and ensure the filling settles evenly into the cups.
Step 5 — Prepare the Raspberry Topping
In a small saucepan, combine fresh or frozen raspberries with a little sugar and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the berries break down and the mixture thickens slightly.
For a smooth sauce, press the cooked raspberries through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Let the sauce cool completely before using.
Step 6 — Chill Until Set
Refrigerate the No Bake Mini Lemon Raspberry Cheesecakes for at least 4 hours, or until firm. For best results, cover the pan with plastic wrap to prevent odors from affecting flavor.
These cheesecakes can be made a day ahead. They are ready when the filling no longer jiggles when the pan is gently shaken.
Step 7 — Add Toppings and Serve
Once chilled and set, spoon a layer of cooled raspberry sauce over each mini cheesecake. Garnish with fresh raspberries and a twist of lemon zest if desired.
Serve chilled. For clean removal, gently peel away the liner or use a small offset spatula to lift each cheesecake from the pan.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.
Healthier Alternatives
- Greek yogurt for cream cheese — Adds protein and tang while reducing fat content.
- Almond flour crust — Gluten-free option with a nutty flavor that complements the lemon.
- Coconut cream for dairy — Creates a rich, dairy-free version perfect for lactose intolerance.
- Monk fruit sweetener — Lower-carb alternative that maintains sweetness without sugar spikes.
- Fresh raspberry purée instead of jam — Reduces added sugars and enhances natural fruit flavor.
- Low-sodium nut butter in crust — Cuts sodium while adding healthy fats and binding texture.
- Silken tofu for cream cheese — High-protein, dairy-free swap that keeps the creamy consistency.
- Stevia-sweetened whipped topping — Lower-calorie finish that stays light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these No Bake Mini Lemon Raspberry Cheesecakes with a glass of chilled Prosecco or a cup of Earl Grey tea for a sophisticated dessert pairing.
- Serve as a refreshing finale to summer barbecues, bridal showers, or Mother’s Day brunches where their bright flavors shine.
- Create an elegant dessert platter by arranging the mini cheesecakes alongside fresh raspberries, mint sprigs, and lemon zest curls.
- For a fun twist, top each No Bake Mini Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and a single fresh raspberry just before serving.
- Make them the star of a dessert bar by offering complementary sauces like a raspberry coulis or white chocolate drizzle for guests to customize.
- Serve chilled straight from the refrigerator to maintain the perfect firm yet creamy texture that makes these cheesecakes so delightful.
These easy No Bake Mini Lemon Raspberry Cheesecakes are versatile enough for casual gatherings yet elegant enough for special occasions, requiring minimal effort for maximum delicious impact.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using warm cream cheese, which prevents proper whipping and leads to a runny filling. Fix: Ensure all dairy ingredients are chilled thoroughly before mixing for a stable, fluffy texture.
- Mistake: Overmixing the filling after adding the lemon juice, causing it to break or become watery. Fix: Gently fold in the lemon juice at the end until just combined to maintain structure.
- Mistake: Pressing the crust too firmly into the liners, resulting in a dense, hard base. Fix: Lightly press the crust mixture to allow a crumbly, delicate texture that complements the creamy filling.
- Mistake: Not allowing enough chilling time, so the cheesecakes don’t set properly and collapse. Fix: Refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight, to achieve the perfect firm yet creamy consistency.
- Mistake: Adding fresh raspberries directly into the filling, which can release too much moisture and make it soggy. Fix: Use a reduced raspberry sauce or jam swirls to incorporate flavor without compromising texture.
- Mistake: Using a low-fat cream cheese alternative, which lacks the fat content needed for richness and stability. Fix: Stick with full-fat brick cream cheese for the best flavor and no-bake structure.
- Mistake: Skipping the taste test before filling the cups, leading to overly tart or bland cheesecakes. Fix: Always sample the filling and adjust lemon zest or sweetener to your preference.
- Mistake: Overloading with toppings right before serving, making the presentation messy. Fix: Add fresh raspberries and a light garnish just before serving to keep them visually appealing.
- Mistake: Not using a piping bag for filling, which can cause uneven distribution and air pockets. Fix: Pipe the filling into the crust-lined cups for a smooth, professional finish.
- Mistake: Storing at room temperature too long, risking spoilage and softening. Fix: Keep these No Bake Mini Lemon Raspberry Cheesecakes refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain freshness and shape.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C) for food safety.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight; serve chilled. No reheating needed.
Always use clean utensils when serving to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
Conclusion
These No Bake Mini Lemon Raspberry Cheesecakes are an easy and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. If you love this recipe, try our White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls Recipe next! Let us know how yours turned out in the comments, and subscribe for more simple, tasty treats.
Print
No Bake Mini Raspberry Lemon Cheesecakes
These no bake mini cheesecakes combine a light graham cracker crust with a rich, tangy lemon and raspberry cheesecake filling, topped with whipped cream and fresh raspberries. Perfect for a fresh, summery dessert without turning on the oven.
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh raspberries, plus extra for topping
- 1 1/2 cups whipped cream or Cool Whip
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of mini cheesecake molds or cups to form the crust. Chill while preparing filling.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar on medium speed until smooth and incorporated.
- Add heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture and beat until creamy and fluffy.
- Gently fold in fresh raspberries and whipped cream until evenly combined.
- Spoon the cheesecake filling over the chilled crusts, smoothing the tops.
- Refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Before serving, top each cheesecake with additional whipped cream and fresh raspberries.
Notes
These mini cheesecakes can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months but are best enjoyed fresh. You can substitute the graham cracker crust with chocolate cookie crumbs or vanilla wafers for a different flavor. Lime zest can be used instead of lemon for a twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 30
FAQs
Can I make No Bake Mini Lemon Raspberry Cheesecakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these cheesecakes in advance. They need at least 4 hours to set in the refrigerator. For best results, store them covered for up to 3 days before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh raspberries?
Frozen raspberries work perfectly for these No Bake Mini Lemon Raspberry Cheesecakes. Just thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture. You can also use raspberry jam or preserves as a quick alternative.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner to create a compact barrier. Ensure your filling is thick and chilled properly. This helps keep your No Bake Mini Lemon Raspberry Cheesecakes easy to make with a perfect texture.
