Description
These No-Bake Lemon Cream Cheese Pie Cups are a quick, easy, and refreshing dessert that combines the tangy zest of fresh lemon with creamy smooth cream cheese in individual portions. Perfect for any occasion, this no-oven recipe offers a buttery graham cracker crust and a light, fluffy filling that can be customized with various toppings and adaptations to suit your dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
For the 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
Optional 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 Pie 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 and Set: 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
- Softening cream cheese to room temperature ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the most vibrant flavor.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow filling to set properly.
- Press crust mixture firmly into cups for a stable base that holds up while eating.
- Fold whipped cream gently to maintain a light, fluffy texture in the filling.
- Substitute crust ingredients for gluten-free or vegan variations as desired.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Freezing is possible but may affect texture; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Serve chilled and avoid reheating; let sit 10 minutes at room temperature if too firm from refrigeration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie cup (approx. 1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg