Description
Delightful mini no-bake lemon cheesecake tarts promise a zesty, creamy escape from ordinary desserts. Tangy citrus notes dance with smooth cream cheese, creating a simple yet elegant treat you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons (59 ml) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (240 ml) graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
- 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
- ⅓ cup (40 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Lemon zest
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Crust Creation: Pulverize graham crackers with sugar and melted butter until the texture mimics slightly damp sand, then meticulously press the mixture into mini tart molds, ensuring a compact and uniform base.
- Crust Chilling: Refrigerate the molded crusts for 15-20 minutes to establish a robust structural foundation that will support the forthcoming filling.
- Cream Cheese Preparation: Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually blending in powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, and vanilla extract to create a harmonious and zesty mixture.
- Cream Transformation: Whip heavy cream to stiff, billowy peaks in a separate bowl, then gently fold into the cream cheese mixture, preserving the delicate, airy consistency.
- Filling Assembly: Elegantly distribute the lemon cheesecake filling into the chilled tart shells using a spoon or piping bag, creating pristine, smooth surfaces.
- Final Chilling: Refrigerate the assembled tarts for a minimum of two hours, allowing flavors to harmonize and the filling to set completely.
- Garnishing and Serving: Adorn with delicate whipped cream rosettes, sprinkle additional lemon zest, or scatter fresh berries for an enhanced visual and flavor profile, then serve thoroughly chilled for optimal enjoyment.
Notes
- Chill Crust Perfectly: Ensure graham cracker base is refrigerated exactly 15-20 minutes for optimal firmness, preventing crumbling when removing from molds.
- Prevent Lumpy Filling: Soften cream cheese at room temperature beforehand and beat thoroughly to eliminate any potential texture inconsistencies.
- Fold Gently: When combining whipped cream and cream cheese, use a spatula with soft, circular motions to maintain the light, airy texture without deflating the mixture.
- Control Lemon Intensity: Adjust lemon juice and zest quantities based on personal preference, starting with smaller amounts and tasting progressively to achieve desired tanginess without overwhelming the dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg