Luscious Lemon Curd Cheesecake Cups Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Creamy lemon curd cheesecake cups dance between tangy brightness and sweet indulgence.

Soft cheese blends seamlessly with zesty citrus notes for a delightful dessert experience.

Delicate graham cracker bases provide a perfect crumbly foundation for these miniature treats.

Mediterranean lemons infuse each bite with refreshing, sun-kissed flavor.

Silky smooth textures melt deliciously on your palate, creating an irresistible sensation.

Light and elegant, these individual desserts promise to impress at any gathering.

You won’t be able to resist these charming little cups of pure culinary joy.

Why Lemon Curd Cheesecake Cups Are Simply Irresistible

• Bake Mini Delights: Create individual portion-sized cheesecake cups that are perfect for personal serving and easy sharing at gatherings.
• Craft Simple Layers: Combine graham cracker base with creamy cheesecake and tangy lemon curd for a delightful multi-textured dessert experience that requires minimal baking skills.
• Enjoy Versatile Treat: Suitable for various occasions like potlucks, brunches, or casual dessert nights, these cups offer a sophisticated yet approachable sweet treat that will impress guests without complex preparation.
• Maximize Make-Ahead Potential: Prepare these cups in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing you to plan ahead and reduce last-minute dessert stress while ensuring maximum flavor development.

What You’ll Need for Lemon Curd Cheesecake Cups

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake cups.
• Butter: Helps bind the cracker crumbs together and adds rich flavor to the crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates a smooth and creamy cheesecake texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set during baking.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm and aromatic profile.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a subtle tangy note.

• Egg Yolks, Lemon Juice, Sugar: Create the base for a bright and zesty lemon curd.
• Butter, Lemon Zest: Add richness and intensify the citrus flavor of the topping.

How to Build Lemon Cheesecake Dessert Cups

Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Line a muffin tin with paper liners to make removing the cheesecake cups a breeze. Set your oven to preheat at 325°F, creating the perfect baking environment.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Crust

Crush graham crackers and blend with melted butter until the mixture looks like damp sand. Press this crumbly base firmly into each muffin liner, creating a solid foundation for your cheesecake cups.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until it becomes ultra-smooth and free of any lumps. Gradually add sugar, transforming the mixture into a light and fluffy dream. Incorporate eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully blended for a silky-smooth texture.

Step 4: Add Creamy Extras

• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream

Stir until the filling looks perfectly combined and velvety.

Step 5: Fill and Bake the Cups

Divide the cheesecake mixture evenly among the lined muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Slide the tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Look for slightly wobbly centers with set edges – a sign of perfectly baked cheesecake cups.

Step 6: Craft the Tangy Lemon Curd

• Egg yolks
• Lemon juice
• Sugar

Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat a spoon. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and lemon zest until smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Let the lemon curd cool completely at room temperature. Once the cheesecake cups have cooled, top each with a generous spoonful of the bright, zesty lemon curd.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cheesecake cups for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to mingle and the texture to set perfectly. When ready, these little treats are a burst of creamy, tangy deliciousness waiting to be devoured.

Helpful Hints for Lemon Cheesecake Perfection

• Prevent Cracking Technique: Press graham cracker crust gently to avoid air pockets and create a solid base for smooth cheesecake cups.
• Smooth Cream Cheese Tip: Bring cream cheese to room temperature before whipping to ensure silky, lump-free texture and easier mixing.
• Temperature Control Method: Use medium-low heat when cooking lemon curd to prevent egg yolks from scrambling and maintain a velvety consistency.
• Perfect Cooling Strategy: Let cheesecake cups cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to minimize potential cracks and maintain creamy texture.
• Zest Enhancement Trick: Add fresh lemon zest to intensify citrus flavor and brighten the overall taste of the lemon curd topping.

Tangy Twists on Lemon Curd Dessert Cups

• Blueberry Burst Cheesecake Cups: Replace lemon curd with homemade blueberry compote made from fresh blueberries, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice, creating a vibrant and fruity topping.
• Chocolate Marble Cheesecake Cups: Swirl melted dark chocolate into the cheesecake batter before baking, then top with chocolate ganache for an indulgent chocolate lover's version.
• Lavender Honey Cheesecake Cups: Infuse the cheesecake batter with dried lavender and drizzle with local honey, offering a delicate floral and sweet alternative to the original recipe.

Pairing Picks for Lemon Cheesecake Cups

• Enhance Citrus Delight: Wine and Flavor Companions
• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that matches the lemon curd's bright acidity, cutting through the rich cheesecake's creamy texture and complementing the tangy citrus notes.
• Refresh with Herbal Tea: Brew a light chamomile or mint tea that softens the dessert's richness, providing a clean palate cleanser and adding a subtle herbal counterpoint to the sweet-tart lemon flavor.
• Elevate with Fruit Garnish: Top each cheesecake cup with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries, introducing a burst of natural sweetness and creating a beautiful color contrast that enhances the dessert's visual appeal and adds a fresh, juicy element.
• Complement with Sparkling Prosecco

Best Ways to Store Lemon Dessert Cups

• Store cheesecake cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture absorption.
• Wrap each cheesecake cup separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for 2-3 months without losing texture or flavor.
• Separate layers with parchment paper when storing multiple cups to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate appearance.
• Keep cheesecake cups at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety standards.

FAQs for Lemon Curd Cheesecake Lovers

• Can I use a different type of crust instead of graham crackers?

Yes, you can substitute graham crackers with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies for a similar base.

• Is it necessary to use a water bath when baking these cheesecake cups?

No, water bath isn’t required for these individual-sized cheesecakes. The muffin tin helps distribute heat evenly, preventing cracking.

• How can I tell if the cheesecake cups are fully baked?

Look for slightly jiggly centers with set edges. The tops should look matte and not wet, and they’ll slightly pull away from the liner’s sides.

Lemon Curd Cheesecake Cups Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful lemon curd cheesecake cups blend creamy indulgence with zesty brightness, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Elegant dessert portions provide a refreshing twist that will satisfy craving sweet tooths with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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Cheesecake Base:

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 cup sour cream

Lemon Curd Topping:

• 3 large egg yolks
• 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners for easy removal of cheesecake cups.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until fully combined and resembles wet sand texture.
3. Press crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin liner, creating a compact and even base.
4. Whip cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
5. Gradually incorporate sugar, mixing until fully integrated and mixture becomes light and fluffy.
6. Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition to maintain a silky consistency.
7. Fold in vanilla extract and sour cream, stirring gently to create a homogeneous cheesecake filling.
8. Distribute cheesecake mixture evenly among prepared muffin liners, filling each about 3/4 full.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes until centers are slightly jiggly but set around the edges.
10. While cheesecakes cool, prepare lemon curd by whisking egg yolks, lemon juice, and sugar in a saucepan.
11. Cook lemon mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
12. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and lemon zest until smooth and glossy.
13. Allow lemon curd to cool completely at room temperature.
14. Once cheesecakes are cooled, top each cup with a generous dollop of lemon curd.
15. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.

Notes

• Chill cream cheese beforehand to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing and optimal texture.
• Use room temperature eggs for better integration and a more consistent cheesecake batter.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent air bubbles and potential cracking during baking.
• Opt for fresh lemon juice and zest to enhance the bright, citrusy flavor of the lemon curd.
• Create a water bath by placing the muffin tin in a larger pan with hot water to prevent surface cracking.
• Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives for a celiac-friendly version.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh berries or mint leaves for an elegant garnish and extra flavor dimension.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg